Theodosius: Liber II

CTh.2.1.0. On jurisdiction, and where one ought to be convened.
CTh.2.2.0. That no one should judge in his own cause.
CTh.2.3.0. On the omission of obtaining an action.

CTh.2.4.0. De denuntiatione vel editione rescripti.
CTh.2.5.0. De dominio rei quae poscitur vel consortibus ab eo, cui denuntiatum fuerit, nominandis
CTh.2.6.0. De temporum cursu et reparationibus denuntiationum.
CTh.2.7.0. De dilationibus
CTh.2.8.0. De feriis
CTh.2.9.0. De pactis et transactionibus
CTh.2.10.0. De postulando
CTh.2.11.0. De erroribus advocatorum.

CTh.2.4.0. On denuntiation or the production of a rescript.
CTh.2.5.0. On the dominion of the thing that is demanded, or on the consorts to be named by him to whom denuntiation shall have been made
CTh.2.6.0. On the running of times and the reparations of denuntiations.
CTh.2.7.0. On dilations
CTh.2.8.0. On holidays
CTh.2.9.0. On pacts and transactions
CTh.2.10.0. On petitioning
CTh.2.11.0. On the errors of advocates.

CTh.2.12.0. De cognitoribus et procuratoribus.
CTh.2.13.0. De actionibus ad potentes translatis.
CTh.2.14.0. De his, qui potentiorum nomina in lite praetendunt aut titulos praediis affigunt.

CTh.2.12.0. On cognitors and procurators.
CTh.2.13.0. On actions transferred to the powerful.
CTh.2.14.0. On those who in litigation put forward the names of the more powerful or affix titles to estates.

CTh.2.15.0. De dolo malo.
CTh.2.16.0. De integri restitutione.
CTh.2.17.0. De his, qui veniam aetatis impetrarunt.

CTh.2.15.0. On malicious fraud.
CTh.2.16.0. On integral restitution.
CTh.2.17.0. On those who have obtained venia of age (relief of minority).

CTh.2.18.0. De iudiciis
CTh.2.19.0. De inofficioso testamento.
CTh.2.20.0. De inofficiosis donationibus.
CTh.2.21.0. De inofficiosis dotibus.

CTh.2.18.0. On judgments
CTh.2.19.0. On the unofficious testament.
CTh.2.20.0. On unofficious donations.
CTh.2.21.0. On unofficious dowries.

CTh.2.22.0. De hereditatis petitione.
CTh.2.23.0. De rei vindicatione.
CTh.2.24.0. De familiae herciscundae.

CTh.2.22.0. On the petition of inheritance.
CTh.2.23.0. On the vindication of a thing.
CTh.2.24.0. On the partition of the family estate.

CTh.2.25.0. De communi dividundo.
CTh.2.26.0. De finium regundorum
CTh.2.27.0. Si certum petatur de chirographis.
CTh.2.28.0. De pecuniae sequestratione prohibita.

CTh.2.25.0. On the partition of common property.
CTh.2.26.0. On the regulation of boundaries
CTh.2.27.0. If a certain amount is sought from chirographs.
CTh.2.28.0. On the prohibited sequestration of money.

CTh.2.29.0. Si certum petatur de suffragiis.
CTh.2.30.0. De pignoribus.
CTh.2.31.0. Quod iussu.

CTh.2.29.0. If a specific claim is sought concerning suffrages.
CTh.2.30.0. On pledges.
CTh.2.31.0. What is by order.

CTh.2.32.0. De peculio.
CTh.2.33.0. De usuris.

CTh.2.32.0. On the peculium.
CTh.2.33.0. On usury.

CTh.2.1.0. De iurisdictione, et ubi quis conveniri debeat.

CTh.2.1.0. On jurisdiction, and where one ought to be convened.

CTh.2.1.1 [=brev.2.1.1]

Imp. constantius a. ad eustathium pf. p. iudices provinciarum volumus vim debitae auctoritatis assumere, ut una actores ceterosque rei privatae nostrae, quae provinciales, teneat disciplina. sceleratos convictosque carceres teneant, tormenta dilacerent, gladius ultor interimat.

Emperor Constantius Augustus to Eustathius, Praetorian Prefect. We want the judges of the provinces to assume the force of due authority, so that one and the same discipline may hold in check the actores and the rest of the personnel of our Private Estate, who are provincials. Let prisons hold the wicked and the convicted, let torments lacerate, let the avenging sword slay.

eo enim modo licentia inveteratae desperationis inhibetur, si intelligant, uno sibi ac pari studio vivendum esse cum ceteris etc. dat. viii.

For in that way the license of inveterate desperation is inhibited, if they understand that they must live with one and equal zeal with the others, etc. Given on the 8th.

id. mart. limenio et catulino coss.

on the Ides of March, in the consulship of Limenius and Catulinus.

interpretatio. quicumque* in provinciis iudices ordinati sunt, hoc sibi sciant esse permissum, ut, si aliquos rei dominicae servos vel colonos reatus involverit, sicuti et privatos, comprehendendi eos et puniendi, ut culpa exegerit, nullo contradicente patrimoniorum nostrorum ordinatore, habeant liberam potestatem

interpretation. Whoever* have been appointed judges in the provinces, let them know this to be permitted to them: that, if a charge has involved any slaves of the imperial estate or
coloni, just as also private persons, they have free authority to apprehend and to punish them, as the offense shall have required, with no administrator of our patrimonies
objecting, let them have free authority

CTh.2.1.2 [=brev.2.1.2]

Idem a. ad taurum pf. p. definitum est, provinciarum rectores in civilibus causis litigia terminare, etsi militantes exceperint iurgia vel moverint. ne igitur usurpatio iudicia legesque confundat aut iudicibus ordinariis adimat propriam notionem, ad provinciarum rectores transferantur iurgia civilium quaestionum. in criminalibus etiam causis, si miles poposcerit reum, provinciae rector inquirat.

The same Augustus to Taurus, Prefect of the Praetorium: it has been defined that the rectors of the provinces are to terminate litigations in civil causes, even if soldiers have either undergone quarrels or
have initiated them. Therefore, lest usurpation confound the courts and the laws or deprive the ordinary judges of their proper cognizance, let the quarrels of civil questions be transferred to the rectors of the provinces.
In criminal causes also, if a soldier shall have demanded the defendant, let the rector of the province conduct the inquiry.

si militaris aliquid admisisse firmetur, is cognoscat, cui militaris rei cura mandata est. dat. viii.

If a soldier
is confirmed to have committed something, let the one to whom the care of military affairs has been entrusted conduct the inquiry. Given on the 8th.

kal. aug. mediolano, arbetione et lolliano coss.

august 1, at milan, arbetio and lollianus, consuls.

interpretatio. etsi civilia negotia ad provinciarum rectores iussimus pertinere, tamen, quoties criminalis actio intercesserit inter illos, qui in armis nostris militant, atque privatos, si militans privatum in iudicium vocaverit, rector provinciae audiendi et iudicandi habeat potestatem. si vero privatus servientem nobis in armis vel militantem forte pulsaverit, ille causam audiat, ad cuius ordinationem is respicit, qui militat, vel cui arma tenuerit

interpretation. although we have ordered that civil affairs pertain to the rectors of the provinces, nevertheless, whenever a criminal action shall have intervened between those who serve in our arms and private persons, if a soldier calls a private person into judgment, let the rector of the province have the power of hearing and judging. but if a private person shall by chance have assaulted one serving us in arms or one soldiering, let him hear the case, to whose ordination the one who serves has regard, or to whom he shall have held arms

CTh.2.1.3 [=brev.2.1.3]

Idem a. et iulianus c. ad taurum pf. p. non solum in agentes in rebus, sed in alios etiam cuiuslibet homines condicionis* competentes vigoris aculei exserantur, si modo fuerit declaratum, delicto eos obnoxios detineri. quicumque* igitur aliquid improbe turpiterque commiserit aut libidinis macula forte polluerit pudicitiam, debet ad eum ultio severitatis congruae propagari: quum tamen direptionem videantur esse conquesti, qui gravia testantur esse admissa, quae obnoxios claruerit invasisse, in duplum restituere compellantur. data et accepta viii.

The same Aug. and Julian Caesar to Taurus, Praetorian Prefect. Not only against the agentes in rebus, but also against other men of whatever condition*, let the goads of vigor be unsheathed, provided only that it has been declared that they are held liable for a crime. Whoever* therefore has committed something wickedly and basely, or has perhaps by a stain of lust polluted modesty, upon him punishment of suitable severity ought to be extended: when, however, those who attest that grave offenses have been committed seem to have complained of plunder, which it shall have become clear that the liable parties have seized, they are to be compelled to restore twofold. Given and received on the 8.

kal. oct. constantio a. ix. et iuliano c. ii. coss.

On the Kalends of October, in the consulship of Constantius Augustus for the 9th time and Julian Caesar for the 2nd time, consuls.

interpretatio. in omnibus personis, quas etiam praesentiae nostrae dignitas comitatur, hanc volumus observari sententiam: ut, si quis cuiuscumque* pudicitiam violaverit, poenam statutam iure suscipiat. et quicumque* direptionem admiserit, in duplum violenter praesumpta* restituat

interpretation. in all persons, whom even the dignity of our presence accompanies, we wish this judgment to be observed: that, if anyone
shall have violated the chastity of anyone whatsoever*, he shall undergo the penalty established by law. and whoever* shall have committed depredation, let him restore in double the things violently
seized*

CTh.2.1.4 [=brev.2.1.4]

Impp. valentin. et valens aa. ad terentium correctorem tusciae.

the emperors valentinian and valens, augusti, to terentius, corrector of tuscia

actor rei forum sequatur, ita ut, si senatores aliquid a provincialibus poscunt, eo, qui provinciam regit, cognitore confligant. si vero provincialis non suscipiat, sed inferat actiones, praefecto urbis disceptante decertet. dat.

let the plaintiff follow the forum of the defendant, such that, if senators demand anything from provincials, they shall contend before the one who governs the province as cognitor. but if a provincial does not assume the defense, but instead brings actions, let him litigate with the Prefect of the City adjudicating. given.

kal. iun. med., divo ioviano et varroniano coss.

the Kalends of June, at Milan, in the consulship of the deified Jovian and Varronianus.

interpretatio. si quis alium crediderit lite pulsandum, apud provinciae illius iudicem, ubi is habitat, quem pulsat, negotium suum noverit proponendum

interpretation. if anyone has thought that another must be pressed by suit, before the judge of that province where he whom he presses resides, let him know his case to be proposed

CTh.2.1.5 [=brev.2.1.5]

Codex Theodosianus 2.1.5 [= Breviary 2.1.5]

Iidem aa. ad felicem vicarium macedoniae. si quis rem nostram coeperit lite pulsare, rationali praesente confligat: quo defensante et controversia omnis agitetur, et iudex eam sententiam decernat, quam iuris aequitas postulaverit. dat.

The same Emperors to Felix, Vicar of Macedonia. If anyone shall have begun to assail our property by lawsuit, let him contend with the Rationalis present: with him defending, and
let the whole controversy be conducted, and let the judge decree that sentence which the equity of the law shall have required. Given.

kal. dec. valentin.

the Kalends of December. Valentinian.

et valente aa. coss. interpretatio. quoties a fisco nostro aliqua repetuntur, res apud provinciae iudicem sub praesentia nostri ordinatoris agatur: ut illo praesente, quicquid iustitiae ordo suaserit, iudicetur

and Valens, the Augusti, consuls. interpretation. whenever any things are reclaimed by our fisc, let the matter be conducted before the judge of the province under the presence of our ordinator: so that, he being present,
whatever the order of justice shall have advised, may be adjudged

CTh.2.1.6 [=brev.2.1.6]

Imppp. grat., valentin. et theodos.

The Emperors Gratian, Valentinian, and Theodosius.

aaa. neoterio pf. p. exceptis his, quibus extra ordinem subvenitur, omnes iacturam litis incurrant, qui non ante in proprio foro iurgaverint, si quidem possint venire ad altioris iudicis notionem, quum iudicatum, quod displicet, appellatio excluserit: ita ut, si quis litigator se vel fastidio vel gratia cognitoris aut non auditum aut dilatum docuerit, et eius litis, quae protracta est, aestimationem fisco nostro iudex praestet, et in primores officii poena deportationis illico depromatur. dat.

aaa. to Neoterius, Praetorian Prefect. With the exception of those to whom relief is afforded out of the ordinary course, let all incur forfeiture of the suit who have not first litigated in their own forum, provided indeed that they can come to the cognizance of a higher judge, when an appeal has excluded the judgment that displeases:
so that, if any litigant shall have shown that, either through the distaste or the favor of the judge of inquiry, he was either not heard or was postponed, the judge shall render to our fisc the valuation of that suit which has been protracted,
and upon the chiefs of his office let the penalty of deportation be immediately exacted. Given.

prid. kal. mart.

the day before the Kalends of March.

mediolano, arcadio a. i. et bautone v.C. coss.

at milan, in the consulship of Arcadius, junior Augustus, and bauto, a most distinguished man, consuls.

interpretatio. quicumque* apud alium et non apud suum iudicem negotium, quod habuerit, in initio litis crediderit proponendum, exceptis aetate minoribus, quibus lege consultum est, litis ipsius, de qua agitur, actione damnetur: nisi forsitan contra sententiam, quae adversus eum dicta fuerit, crediderit appellandum, ut apud maioris dignitatis iudices audiatur. sane si quis causam habens, a iudice suo se vel per superbiam vel propter amicitiam adversarii sui probaverit non auditum, iudicem tantum, quantum res, de qua agitur, valuerit, fisco nostro iubemus exsolvere: et qui consiliis suis adhaerent, exilii poenam pro districtione sustineant

interpretation. whoever* before another and not before his own judge shall have believed that the matter which he has should be proposed at the beginning of the suit,
minors in age excepted, for whom provision has been made by law, let him be condemned by an action of the very lawsuit that is at issue: unless perhaps he believes that he should appeal against the sentence which
has been pronounced against him, so that he may be heard before judges of greater dignity. indeed, if anyone having a cause shall have proved that he was not heard by his own judge either through arrogance or on account of the friendship of his adversary,
we order the judge to pay into our fisc just as much as the matter at issue shall have been worth; and those who adhere to his counsels shall endure the penalty of exile by way of distraint.

CTh.2.1.7 [=brev.2.1.7]

Impp. theodos. et arcad.

The Emperors Theodosius and Arcadius.

aa. martiniano comiti orientis. mulieres honore maritorum erigimus, genere nobilitamus. iisdem forum ex eorum persona statuimus et domicilia mutamus.

the emperors to Martinianus, Count of the East. We raise women by the honor of their husbands, we ennoble them by rank. For these same women we establish the forum from their husbands’ person,
and we change their domiciles.

dat. iv. id. nov. constantinopoli, arcadio a. ii. et rufino coss.

given on november 10 at constantinople, with arcadius augustus for the 2nd time and rufinus as consuls.

interpretatio. feminas secundum honorem, quem mariti earum meruerunt, volumus appellari, ut, ad cuius domum nupta transierit, eius proficiat dignitate et pro negotiis suis in eodem foro, ubi est maritum secuta, respondeat

interpretation. we will that women be called according to the honor which their husbands have merited, so that, to whose house she has passed as a bride, she may profit by his
dignity, and for her own business in the same forum, where she has followed her husband, let her answer

CTh.2.1.8pr. [=brev.2.1.8pr.]

Theodosian Code 2.1.8 preface [=breviary 2.1.8 preface]

Impp. arcad. et honor.

Emperors Arcadius and Honorius.

aa. pasiphilo suo salutem. causas plurimi instituentes de fugaci servo, aut manifesto furto aut non manifesto, direpti etiam animalis, servi, vel rei mobilis ac moventis, vel vi bonorum raptorum, parvulae etiam terrae, finium et parvulae casae, sub specie criminis tuum pulsant iudicium.

The Augusti to their Pasiphilus, greeting. Very many, instituting causes about a fugitive slave, or manifest theft or non-manifest theft,
of a snatched-away animal, a slave, or a thing movable and moving, or by the violence of goods taken by rapine, of a very small plot of land, of boundaries, and of a very small cottage, under
the semblance of a crime, assail your tribunal.

CTh.2.1.8.1 [=brev.2.1.8.1]

Theodosian Code 2.1.8.1 [= breviary 2.1.8.1]

Momentariae etiam possessionis interdictum, quod non semper ad vim publicam pertinet vel privatam, ut mox audiri, interdum etiam sine inscriptione, mereatur, abacti etiam animalis causa proponitur.

The interdict of momentary possession, which does not always pertain to public or to private force, as will soon be heard, sometimes even, without an indictment, is merited, and is also brought forward in the case of an animal driven off.

CTh.2.1.8.2 [=brev.2.1.8.2]

Quum igitur de his rebus parvis ac minimis tuae sit iniuria potestatis iudicare, decretum est, eas tantum causas criminales a sinceritate tua audiri, quas dignus et meritus horror inscriptionis impleverit, quae magnitudinem videlicet criminis tempusque designat, ut alterutram partem digna legum tenere possit austeritas.

Since therefore to judge concerning these small and very minimal matters is outside your authority, it has been decreed that only those criminal causes be heard by Your Sincerity which the worthy and merited horror of an inscription has fulfilled, which, namely, designates the magnitude of the crime and the time, so that the worthy austerity of the laws may be able to hold either party.

CTh.2.1.8.3 [=brev.2.1.8.3]

Quod statutum si fuerit forte contempt+um, hi, qui ex officio ingrediuntur secretarium, quinque librarum auri condemnatione feriantur. dat. viii.

If by chance this statute should be contemned, let those who, by office, enter the secretarium be struck with a condemnation of five pounds of gold. given on the 8th.

kal. ian. mediolano, olybrio et probino coss.

on the kalends of january, at milan, with olybrius and probinus as consuls.

interpretatio. quoties de parvis criminibus, id est, unius servi fuga, aut sublati iumenti, aut modicae terrae, seu domus invasae, vel certi furti, id est, detenti aut praeventi, sub criminis nomine actio fortasse processerit, ad mediocres iudices, qui publicam disciplinam observant, id est, aut defensores aut assertores pacis, vindictam eius rei decernimus pertinere. ad rectorem vero provinciae illud negotium criminale perveniat, ubi de personarum inscriptione agitur, vel maior causa est, quae non nisi ab ordinario iudice, recitata legis sententia debeat terminari. quod praeceptum si fuerit praetermissum, officiales, qui negotia intromittunt, quinque libras auri se noverint esse damnandos

interpretation. whenever concerning small crimes, that is, the flight of a single slave, or a carried‑off beast of burden, or a modest plot of land, or an invaded house, or a certain theft, that is, one detained or apprehended, if an action should perhaps proceed under the name of a criminal charge, we decree the punishment of that matter to pertain to intermediate judges who observe the public discipline, that is, either defenders or asserters of peace. but let that criminal business come to the rector of the province where it is a question of the inscription (indictment) of persons, or where there is a greater cause, which ought to be concluded only by the ordinary judge, the sentence of the law having been recited. if this precept shall have been omitted, let the officials who intrude themselves into the cases know that they are to be condemned to five pounds of gold.

CTh.2.1.9 [=brev.2.1.9]

Codex Theodosianus 2.1.9 [=Breviarium 2.1.9]

Iidem aa. archelao praefecto augustali. si quis neglectis iudicibus ordinariis sine coelesti oraculo causam civilem ad militare iudicium crediderit deferendam, praeter poenas ante promulgatas intelligat, se deportationis sortem excepturum, nihilominus et advocatum eius decem librarum auri condemnatione feriendum. dat.

The same Augusti, to Archelaus, Augustal Prefect. If anyone, the ordinary judges neglected, without a celestial oracle, has believed that a civil cause should be referred to military judgment,
let him understand, besides the penalties previously promulgated, that he will incur the lot of deportation; nonetheless his advocate also is to be struck with a condemnation of ten pounds of gold. Given.

viii. kal. dec.

8th day before the Kalends of December (November 24).

constantinopoli, caesario et attico coss.

at constantinople, in the consulship of caesarius and atticus.

interpretatio. quisquis contempto provinciae iudice, ad illos, qui armatis praeesse noscuntur, causam suam crediderit transferendam, exilio se deputandum esse cognoscat, et eum, qui causam illius susceperit proponendam, decem libras auri esse damnandum

interpretation. whoever, with the province’s judge despised, shall have believed that his own case must be transferred to those who are known to be in command of the armed forces, let him know that he is to be deputed to exile; and the one who has undertaken to present his case is to be condemned to ten pounds of gold

CTh.2.1.10 [=brev.2.1.10]

Iidem aa. ad eutychianum pf. p. iudaei romano et communi iure viventes in his causis, quae non tam ad superstitionem eorum, quam ad forum et leges ac iura pertinent, adeant solenni more iudicia omnesque romanis legibus inferant et excipiant actiones: postremo sub legibus nostris sint. sane si qui per compromissum, ad similitudinem arbitrorum, apud iudaeos vel patriarchas ex consensu partium, in civili dumtaxat* negotio, putaverint litigandum, sortiri eorum iudicium iure publico non vetentur: eorum etiam sententias provinciarum iudices exsequantur, tanquam ex sententia cognitoris arbitri fuerint attributi. dat.

The same Augusti to Eutychianus, Praetorian Prefect. Jews living by Roman and common law, in those cases which pertain not so much to their superstition as to the forum and to laws and rights, shall approach the courts in the solemn customary manner, and shall both bring and receive all actions under Roman laws: finally, let them be under our laws. Indeed, if any, through a compromissum, in the likeness of arbiters, before Jews or patriarchs by the consent of the parties, in a civil business only,* shall have decided to litigate, let them not be forbidden by public law to obtain their judgment: let the judges of the provinces also carry into effect their sentences, as though they had been assigned on the basis of the decision of a cognitor-arbiter. Given.

iii. non. febr.

3rd day before the Nones of February.

constantinopoli, honorio a. iv. et eutychiano v.C. coss.

At Constantinople, Honorius Augustus for the 4th time and
Eutychianus, Most Distinguished Man, consuls.

interpretatio. iudaei omnes, qui romani esse noscuntur, hoc solum apud religionis suae maiores agant, quod ad religionis eorum pertinet disciplinam, ita ut inter se, quae sunt hebraeis legibus statuta, custodiant. alia vero negotia, quae nostris legibus continentur et ad forum respiciunt, apud iudicem provinciae eo, quo omnes, iure confligant. sane si apud maiores legis suae consentientes ambae partes, de solo tamen civili negotio audiri voluerint, quod, interveniente compromisso, arbitrali iudicio terminatur, tale sit, quasi ex praecepto iudicis fuerit definitum

interpretation. let all Jews, who are known to be Romans, do before the elders of their religion only this which pertains to the discipline of their religion, so that among themselves they keep what has been established by Hebraic laws. but other business, which are contained by our laws and look to the forum, let them contend before the judge of the province under the same law as all. indeed, if before the elders of their law, both parties consenting, they should wish to be heard concerning only a civil matter, which, a compromise intervening, is terminated by arbitral judgment, let it be such as if it had been determined by the precept of a judge

CTh.2.1.11 [=brev.2.1.11]

Iidem aa. theodoro pf. p. post alia: minime provinciae rector exspectet in reos criminosos actorem dominicum, sed habeat exhibendis noxiis potestatem: utatur legibus nullo interposito rationali. e latebris reus potestate ordinarii iudicis protrahatur, ne per colludium actorum iudiciorum fiat dilatio. dat.

The same Emperors to Theodorus, Praetorian Prefect, after other matters: by no means let the rector of the province wait, in the case of criminal defendants, for an imperial actor (prosecutor), but let him have the power for producing the guilty: let him use the laws with no Rationalis interposed. From hiding-places let the defendant be dragged forth by the power of the ordinary judge, lest delay be made through the collusion of the actors of lawsuits. Given.

ix. kal. iun. mediolano, honorio a. iv. et eutychiano coss.

may 24, at mediolanum, in the consulship of honorius augustus for the 4th time and eutychianus.

interpretatio. si quis in domibus dominicis criminosus potuerit inveniri, provinciae iudex praesentiam non exspectet actoris, sed mox reum comprehensum, ne aliquo colludio effugiat, subdi iubeat publicae disciplinae

interpretation. If anyone can be found criminal in the imperial houses, let the provincial judge not await the presence of the accuser, but at once with the defendant apprehended, lest he escape by some collusion, let him order him to be subjected to public discipline

CTh.2.1.12 [=brev.2.1.12]

Impp. honor. et theodos.

The Emperors Honorius and Theodosius.

aa. consulibus, praetoribus, tribunis plebis, senatui suo salutem dicunt. post alia: in criminalibus causis senatus, statuta iam dudum quinqueviralis iudicii forma servabitur. in quo quum perfacile esse credamus, optimos legere de summis, sortito tamen ad iudicium vocabuntur, ne de capite atque innocentia alterius iudicio electi iudicent etc.

The Augusti send greetings to the consuls, praetors, tribunes of the plebs, and to their senate. After other matters: in criminal causes of the senate, the form of the five-man court, long since established, shall be observed. In which, although we believe it to be very easy to choose the best from among the highest, nevertheless by sortition they shall be called to the judgment, lest those selected by judgment pass judgment concerning the life and innocence of another, etc.

dat. viii. id. aug.

given on the 8th day before the Ides of August.

ravenna, asclepiodoto et mariniano coss.

ravenna, asclepiodotus and
marinianus, consuls.

interpretatio. quum pro obiecto crimine aliquis audiendus est, quinque nobiles viri iudices de reliquis sibi similibus missis sortibus eligantur: ne studio videantur electi et de capitali re aut innocentia alterius videatur facile iudicari

interpretation. when, for an imputed crime, someone is to be heard, let five noble men, judges, be chosen by drawing lots from among the rest similar to themselves who have been sent: lest they appear to have been elected out of zeal, and lest it seem easy to judge concerning a capital matter or another’s innocence

CTh.2.2.0. Ne in sua causa quis iudicet.

CTh.2.2.0. Let no one judge in his own cause.

CTh.2.2.1 [=brev.2.2.1]

Imppp. valens, grat. et valentin.

Emperors Valens, Gratian, and Valentinian.

aaa. ad gracchum pf. u. promiscua generalitate decernimus, neminem sibi esse iudicem debere. quum enim omnibus in re propria dicendi testimonii facultatem iura summoverint, iniquum admodum est, licentiam tribuere sententiae.

aaa. to Gracchus, Prefect of the City, we decree, with promiscuous generality, that no one ought to be a judge for himself. For since
indeed the laws have removed from everyone, in his own matter, the faculty of giving testimony, it is very unjust to grant the license of passing sentence.

lecta kal. dec. valente v. et valentin.

read
on the Kalends of December, when Valens was consul for the 5th time and Valentinian.

aa. coss.

the augusti consuls.

interpretatio. omnes praeceptio nostra constringat, ut nullus in sua causa iudex sit: quia, sicut testimonium unusquisque pro se dicere non potest, ita nec pro se poterit iudicare

interpretation. let our precept bind all, that no one be a judge in his own cause: because, just as each person cannot give testimony for himself he cannot, so neither will he be able to judge for himself

CTh.2.3.0. De omissa actionis impetratione.

CTh.2.3.0. On the omission of the impetration of an action.

CTh.2.3.1 [=brev.2.3.1]

Impp. theodos. et valentin.

Emperors theodosius and valentinian.

aa. hierio pf. p. post alia: nulli prorsus non impetratae actionis in maiore vel in minore iudicio agenti opponatur exceptio, si aptam rei et proposito negotio competentem eam esse constiterit etc. dat. x. kal.

The Emperors to Hiereus, Praetorian Prefect. After other things: let the exception of a not‑obtained action be opposed to absolutely no one litigating in the greater or in the lesser court, if it has been established that it is apt to the matter and competent to the proposed business, etc. Given on the 10th day before the Kalends.

mart. constantinopoli, felice et tauro coss.

march. at constantinople, felix and taurus, consuls.

interpretatio. nullus per hoc praeiudicium negotii videatur incurrere, quod in cuiuscumque* audientia causae suae actio non pervenerit ad effectum. solum est, ut vox sua rationabilis, quum proposuerit, approbetur

interpretation. let no one seem to incur prejudice of the business on account of this, because in the audience of whoever the action of his case has not come to effect. it is sufficient that his reasonable voice, when he has set it forth, be approved

CTh.2.4.0. De denuntiatione vel editione rescripti.

CTh.2.4.0. On the notification or the production of a rescript.

CTh.2.4.1pr. [=brev.2.4.1pr.]

CTh.2.4.1 preface. [=brev.2.4.1 preface.]

Imp. constantinus a. ad symmachum. si quando minoribus vel adultis inferenda lis erit, vel ab ipsis minoribus vel adultis cuidam quaestio movenda sit, non alias cursus temporis inchoetur, nisi ab universis, quos officii sollicitudo constringit, hoc est tutoribus, sive testamento sive decreto dati sunt, vel curatoribus, per quos minores defenduntur, vel iisdem omnibus solenni more lis fuerit intimata.

Emperor Constantine Augustus to Symmachus. If ever a suit must be brought against minors or adults, or if an inquiry is to be set in motion by the minors themselves or the adults against someone,
the course of time shall not otherwise be inchoated, unless to all those whom the solicitude of office constrains— that is, to the tutors, whether they have been appointed by testament or by decree,
or to the curators through whom minors are defended— the suit has been intimated in solemn manner to all these.

CTh.2.4.1.1 [=brev.2.4.1.1]

Quod si divisum administrationis periculum per provincias sit, his tantum omnibus insinuari convenit, et ab ipsis inferri litem, qui in ea provincia tutelae vel curae officium sustinent, ne de aliis provinciis defensores minorum ad iudicia producantur. dat. prid.

But if the peril/liability of administration be divided across the provinces, it is proper that notification be made only to all those, and that the suit be brought by those themselves who in that province sustain the office of tutela or cura (guardianship or curatorship), lest defenders of minors from other provinces be produced to the courts. given, the day before.

non febr. sirmio. accepta viii.

nones of february. sirmium. received on the 8th.

id. mart. corinthi, constantino a. v. et licinio caes. coss.

ides of march. at corinth, constantine augustus for the 5th time and licinius caesar, consuls.

interpretatio. si quis contra eos, qui in annis minoribus constituti sunt, litem forte commoverit, aut si a parte ipsorum reus aliquis arguatur, ex eo tempora computanda sunt, ex quo tutor sive curator minoris aut per iudicem aut per curiam intulerit seu exceperit actionem: ita tamen, ut si in diversis provinciis istius officii homines sunt, id est, curatores vel tutores, qui minorum causas tueantur, qui in eadem provincia fuerint, ubi intentio nata probatur, ipsi aut ingerant aut excipiant actiones: quia nolumus, ut ad aliam provinciam defensores minorum pro audientiae necessitate ducantur. hic de iure adiectum est

interpretation. if anyone should by chance stir up a suit against those who are constituted in lesser years (minors), or if on their part some defendant
be accused, from that point the times are to be computed, from which the tutor or curator of the minor, either through the judge or through the curia, has brought or has taken up
the action: nevertheless, in such a way that, if in different provinces the men of that office are, that is, the curators or tutors who protect the causes of minors, those
who shall have been in the same province where the claim is proved to have arisen, themselves either bring or take up the actions: because we do not wish that to another province
the defenders of minors be led for the necessity of a hearing. here something has been added by law

CTh.2.4.2 [=brev.2.4.2]

Idem a. ad maximum pf. u. denuntiari vel apud provinciarum rectores vel apud eos, quibus actorum conficiendorum ius est, decernimus, ne privata testatio, mortuorum aut in diversis terris absentium aut eorum, qui nusquam gentium sint, scripta nominibus, falsam fidem rebus non gestis affingat. dat. x. kal.

The same Augustus to Maximus, Prefect of the City: we decree that notice be given either before the rectors of the provinces or before those who have the right of drawing up the acts, lest a private attestation, written under the names of the dead or of those absent in different lands or of those who are nowhere among the nations, affix false credence to matters not transacted. Given on the 10th day before the Kalends.

iun. sirmio, probiano et iuliano coss.

June, at Sirmium, in the consulship of Probianus and Julianus.

interpretatio. contestari apud rectores provinciae vel defensores aut omnes, apud quos gesta conficiuntur, litem iubemus, ne ullus nomen absentis aut mortui vel qui non potuerit inveniri, in litis contestatione recipiat, ne falsitatis inveniatur occasio

interpretation. We order the suit to be contested before the rectors of the province or the defensores, or before all those before whom the acts are compiled, lest anyone
receive the name of an absentee or of a dead person or of one who could not be found, in the contestation of the suit, lest an occasion for falsity be discovered

CTh.2.4.3 [=brev.2.4.3]

Imppp. valentin., valens et grat. aaa.

The Emperors Valentinian, Valens, and Gratian, Augusti.

ad ampelium pf. u. exigendae denuntiationis locus non est, quum quis ad luendum debitum evidenti chirographo convenitur. dat. iv. kal.

To Ampelius, Prefect of the City. There is no occasion for a denuntiation for exaction, when one is sued to pay a debt on an evident chirograph. Given on the 4th day before the Kalends.

aug. contionaci, gratiano a. ii. et probo coss.

at the imperial residence at Contionacum, in the consulship of Gratian Augustus for the 2nd time and Probus, consuls.

interpretatio. contestatio locum habere non potest, quando aliquis ad solvendum debitum certa cautione convincitur

interpretation. a contestation cannot take place, when someone is established by a definite surety to pay the debt

CTh.2.4.4 [=brev.2.4.4]

Imppp. valentin., theodos. et arcad.

the emperors Valentinian, Theodosius, and Arcadius.

aaa. ad romulum consularem aemiliae et liguriae. post celebratam denuntiationem, editione rescripti (quod tamen iure sit impetratum) lis exordium auspicatur, inter iustas videlicet legitimasque personas.

aaa. to romulus, the consular governor of aemilia and liguria. after the celebrated denunciation, with the publication of the rescript (which, however, has been obtained by right), the litigation inaugurates its exordium, between just, namely legitimate, persons.

et si quis perennitatis nostrae pendentibus temporibus responsa protulerit, non modo tempora, quorum erunt curricula, non dilatentur, sed et quicquid elicitum erit, frivolum iudicetur. dat. xiii.

and if anyone should have produced responses while the times of our perennity are pending, not only let the times, whose courses there will be, not be dilated, but also whatever shall have been elicited, let it be judged frivolous. dat. 13.

kal. iul. mediolano, arcadio a. i. et bautone v.C. coss.

July 1 at Milan, when Arcadius, Augustus, for the 1st time, and Bauto, a most distinguished man, were consuls.

interpretatio. posteaquam per scripturam lis fuerit contestata, et per publicam conventionem, quisquis ille est, qui pulsatur, agnoverit, tunc lis inchoata dicatur, si tamen litigantium perfectae probantur aetates. nam si quis principis beneficio contra rationem legis causae suae tempora supplicaverit prolongari, quicquid pro hac re meruerit, non valebit

interpretation. after the suit has been contested through writing, and through public convention, whoever he is who is impleaded has acknowledged,
then let the suit be declared inchoate, if, however, the ages of the litigants are proved perfect. for if anyone, by the benefit of the emperor, shall have supplicated that the times of his case be prolonged contrary to the rationale of the law,
whatever he has merited for this matter will not be valid

CTh.2.4.5 [=brev.2.4.5]

Iidem aaa. ad claudium consularem tusciae. universa quidem negotia, quae ex rescriptorum auctoritate sortiuntur exordium, ad cursum temporum pertinere, decretum est: ante omnia vero procurandum est, ne pervasionibus improborum protelandae cognitionis praebeatur occasio.

The same Augusti to Claudius, Consularis of Tuscia. All affairs indeed which derive their beginning from the authority of rescripts are held to pertain to the course
of time, it has been decreed; but above all it must be provided that no occasion be afforded, through the intrusions of unscrupulous men, for the prolonging of the hearing.

idcirco, si quis possessione deiectus auxilium nostri poscat oraculi, nullis eum temporum, quae ex rescriptorum editione defluunt, moris esse ludendum, hac lege decernimus, ne iuris suffragium, quod in celeri reformatione consistit, beneficiorum imperialium decreta suspendant. dat. vi. non.

Therefore, if anyone ejected from possession should seek the aid of our oracle, we decree by this law that he is not to be toyed with by any delays of time which flow from the issuance of rescripts, lest the support of the law, which consists in speedy restoration, be suspended by the decrees of imperial benefactions. Given on the 6th day before the Nones.

mai. mediolano, timasio et promoto coss.

may. at milan, timasius and promotus, consuls.

interpretatio. licet in negotiis, quae per actionem elicitam inchoari videntur, legitimus ad respondendum temporum semper cursus observandus sit, specialiter eos, qui aliqua pervaserint, non patimur per quamcumque* occasionem differre negotium. ideoque quum ille, qui fuerit de possessione deiectus, audientiam impetraverit, iuxta iuris ordinem intra annum ad recipienda, quae perdidit, nullatenus differatur. nec aliqua pervasori dilatio concedatur, etiamsi pro hac re differenda beneficium principis potuerit obtinere

interpretation. although in matters which seem to be initiated through an action brought, the legitimate course of times for responding must always be observed, specially we do not allow those who have seized anything to defer the business under whatever pretext. and therefore, when he who has been cast out from possession has obtained a hearing, in accordance with the order of law, within a year for receiving back what he has lost, let it by no means be deferred. nor let any delay be conceded to the usurper, even if he could obtain the prince’s beneficium for deferring this matter

CTh.2.4.6 [=brev.2.4.6]

Theodosian Code 2.4.6 [= Breviarium 2.4.6]

Imppp. arcad., honor. et theodos.

the emperors arcadius, honorius, and theodosius.

aaa. aemiliano pf. u. si quis debiti, quod ex foenore vel mutuo data pecunia sumpsit* exordium vel ex alio quolibet titulo in literarum obligationem facta cautione translatum est, seu fideicommissi dirigat actionem, aut momentariam possessionem pervasione violatam vel quodlibet interdictum efflagitet, seu inofficiosum arguat testamentum, vel tutelae seu negotiorum actionem intendat, ruptis denuntiationum ambagibus, inter ipsa cognitionum auspicia rationem exprimere ac suas allegationes iubeatur proponere, denuntiatione et temporum observatione remota, quam in ceteris civilibus causis, quarum tamen aestimatio centum solidorum summam excedat, volumus custodiri. dat.

the augusti to aemilianus, prefect of the city. if any debt, which took its origin from interest (foenus) or from money given as a mutuum loan, or from any other title whatsoever, has been translated into a written obligation with a security having been made, or if someone directs an action of fideicommissum, or demands momentary possession violated by intrusion, or any interdict whatsoever, or arraigns a will as undutiful (inofficious), or brings an action of guardianship (tutela) or of business-management (negotiorum gestio), with the circumlocutions of notices broken off, he shall be ordered, at the very outset of the hearings, to set forth the basis and to propose his allegations, with notice and the observance of times removed, which we wish to be kept in other civil cases, the valuation of which nevertheless exceeds the sum of 100 solidi. given.

xiii. kal. aug.

July 20.

constantinopoli, arcadio a. vi. et probo v.C. coss.

at Constantinople, Arcadius Augustus for the 6th time and Probus, most distinguished man, consuls.

interpretatio. pro repetendo debito, unde certa scriptura profertur, seu de eo, quod alicui fideicommissum est, ut daretur, aliquis agat, aut aliquid sibi alleget fuisse pervasum, aut quodlibet intra annum beneficium momenti requirat, aut testamentum dicat non esse legitimum, vel de tutela aliquid proponat, non exspectetur, ut prius, quod repetit, apud acta proponat, aut ordo ipsius causae petatur scriptus, sed mox apud iudicem sine ulla temporum mora, quae per hoc videtur afferri, causam suam proponat et omnes partes suae probationis exhibeat. quam rem etiam in civilibus negotiis praecipimus observari, quae tamen minus quam centum solidorum summam valere constiterit. hoc de iure adiectum est

interpretation. for the recovery of a debt, where a definite writing is produced, or if someone brings an action concerning that which has been fideicommitted to someone, to be given, or alleges that something has been seized upon to his prejudice, or seeks any benefit of moment within a year, or declares that a testament is not legitimate, or puts forward something concerning guardianship, let it not be awaited that, as before, he should first set forth, among the records, what he seeks to recover, or that the order of the case itself be requested in writing, but at once before the judge, without any delay of time which seems to be introduced by this, let him present his case and produce all the parts of his proof. which thing we also command to be observed in civil transactions, provided that it shall have been established to be worth less than the sum of 100 solidi. this has been added to the law

CTh.2.4.7 [=brev.2.4.7]

Theodosian Code 2.4.7 [=breviary 2.4.7]

Impp. honor. et theodos.

The Emperors Honorius and Theodosius.

aa. iovio pf. p. post alia: quaecumque* forte ecclesiae venerabilis negotia sunt, vel esse poterunt actiones, celeri, legum ordine servato, iudicantum disceptatione finiantur. nec enim decet, defensione loci nominisque venerabilis suscepta, publica diu secretaria praestolari. dat.

the emperors to jovius, praetorian prefect. after other things: whatever* business of the venerable church there is, or actions that may be, let them be concluded with celerity, the order of the laws being observed, by the disceptation of judges. for it is not fitting, the defense of the place and of the venerable name having been undertaken, to wait long at the public secretariats. given.

vi. kal. iul. ravenna, honorio viii.

June 26, at Ravenna, in the 8th consulship of Honorius.

et theodos. iii. aa. coss.

and Theodosius 3, the Augusti, consuls.

interpretatio. ecclesiarum negotia, pro reverentia sanctitatis ac fidei, oportet, quum ad publicum prolata fuerint, sine aliqua dilatione finiri. nec debent defensores loci venerabilis ulla tarditate suspendi

interpretation. the affairs of the churches, for the reverence of sanctity and of faith, ought, when they have been brought to the public, without any delay to be finished. nor ought the defenders of the venerable place to be suspended by any tardity

CTh.2.5.0. De dominio rei quae poscitur vel consortibus ab eo, cui denuntiatum fuerit, nominandis

CTh.2.5.0. On the dominion of the thing which is claimed, or on the consorts to be named by him to whom notice shall have been given

CTh.2.5.1

Imp. constantinus a. ...... petitor quem voluerit de consortibus pulset et quem vult per suam voluntatem praetereat, ea tamen condicione, ut qui pulsati non fuerint nullum de his quae iudicata fuerint praeiudicium patiantur, sed cum voluerint suas instituant actiones. (....).

Emperor Constantine Augustus ...... the petitioner may sue whichever of the co-sharers he wishes and may pass over whom he wishes by his own will, on this condition, that those who shall not have been sued suffer no prejudice from those things which shall have been adjudged, but, whenever they wish, they may institute their own actions. (....).

CTh.2.5.2 [=brev.2.5.1]

Imp. iulianus a. secundo pf. p. post alia: explosis atque reiectis praescriptionibus, quas litigatores sub obtentu consortium, studio protrahendae disceptationis, excogitare consueverunt, sive unius fori omnes sint, sive in diversis provinciis versentur, nec adiuncta praesentia consortis vel consortium, agendi vel respondendi iurgantibus licentia pro parte pandatur. et amputata constitutione constantini, patrui mei, quae super consortibus promulgata est, antiquum ius, quantum pertinet ad huiusmodi disceptationes, cum omni firmitate servetur, ut, interruptis artificiosis obstaculis, possidentum astutia comprimatur.

Emperor Julian Augustus, to Secundus, Praetorian Prefect, after other things: with the prescriptions exploded and rejected, which litigants, under the pretext of consortium, with a zeal for prolonging the disceptation, have been accustomed to devise, whether all are of one forum, or are engaged in different provinces, nor, by annexing the presence of a consort or of consorts, let a license for the litigants to act or to answer be opened up for one side. And with the constitution of Constantine, my paternal uncle, which was promulgated concerning consorts, cut off, let the ancient law, insofar as it pertains to disceptations of this kind, be observed with all firmness, so that, the artificial obstacles being broken off, the astuteness of possessors may be checked.

dat. iii. non.

given on the 3rd day before the Nones.

sept. antiochiae, mamertino et nevitta coss.

september at antioch, with mamertinus and nevitta as consuls.

interpretatio. remotis obiectionibus, quibus se consortes ad respondendum invicem excusabant, ut si non in una provincia vel sub uno iudice omnes essent, dum praesentiam suam non simul esse causantur, repetentes videbantur illudere: unde dilationem hanc removentes, quam patruus noster constantinus consortibus in hac parte praestiterat, iubemus secundum antiqui iuris ordinem, quicumque* pulsatus fuerit, pro sua parte vel persona respondeat, nec diutius sub hac occasione repetentem differat ille, qui possidet

interpretation. the objections removed, by which the consorts excused themselves in turn from responding, as if they were not all in one province or under one judge, while they plead that their presence is not simultaneous, they seemed to mock the claimants: whence removing this delay, which our uncle constantine had afforded to the consorts in this regard, we order, according to the order of ancient law, whoever* has been sued shall answer for his own share or person, and let him who possesses not any longer defer the claimant under this pretext

CTh.2.6.0. De temporum cursu et reparationibus denuntiationum.

CTh.2.6.0. On the course of time and the renewals of notifications.

CTh.2.6.1 [=brev.2.6.1]

Imp. constantinus a. iulio vero praesidi tarraconensi. quum semel negotium necessitate vel casu temporibus fuerit exemptum*, ac postea per indulgentiam clementiae nostrae redintegratio praestetur, intra quattuor* menses iudicantis arbitrium, non ulterius litigatoribus praeberi oportet, etiamsi per obreptionem aliquid a nobis iterata supplicatione meruerint.

Emperor Constantine Augustus to Julius Vero, governor of Tarraconensis. When once a case has been exempted* from the time-limits by necessity or by chance, and afterwards, through the indulgence of our clemency, a reintegration is afforded, within four* months the judge’s discretion ought to be granted to the litigants, not further, even if by obreption they have obtained something from us by a repeated supplication.

dat. prid. non.

dated the day before the nones.

mai. vienna, sabino et rufino coss.

May. Vienne, Sabinus and Rufinus consuls.

interpretatio. quando aliqua causa, necessitate intercedente vel casu, promissum tempus excesserit, et principali beneficio eam litigator meruerit reparare, non amplius ad definiendum negotium iudices quam quattuor* menses litigatoribus praestent. quibus exactis, etiamsi aliud dominorum beneficio obtinuerint, nullatenus audiantur

interpretation. when some cause, with necessity intervening or by chance, has exceeded the promised time, and by imperial beneficence the litigant has merited to repair it, the judges should grant to the litigants no more than four* months to define the matter. with these elapsed, even if they should obtain something else by the lords’ favor, let them by no means be heard

CTh.2.6.2 [=brev.2.6.2]

Idem a. ad felicem praesidem corsicae. post alia: si petitores probaverint, interpellantes se saepius esse dilatos, atque ita lapsum temporis incurrisse per negligentiam atque desidiam, gravitate tua audientiam differente, indemnitas petitorum pro modo litis, quae in altercationem fuerit adducta, de tuis facultatibus sarciatur. dat.

The same Augustus to Felix, governor of Corsica. After other things: if the petitioners shall have proved, protesting, that they have more often been deferred, and thus that a lapse of time has been incurred through negligence and sloth, your gravity deferring the hearing, the indemnity of the petitioners, according to the measure of the lawsuit which has been brought into altercation, shall be made good from your resources. Given.

ix. kal. nov. sirmio, constantino a. v. et licinio caes.

9th day before the Kalends of November, at Sirmium, Constantine, Augustus for the 5th time, and Licinius, Caesar.

coss.

consuls.

interpretatio. si repetentem iudex per negligentiam usque eo distulerit, ut causam suam transactis legitimis temporibus perdat, omnia, quaecumque* in illius iudicio iuste sibi potuit vindicare, ei de ipsius iudicis facultatibus, habita aestimatione, reddantur

interpretation. if the judge through negligence has deferred the claimant to such an extent that, the lawful times having elapsed, he loses his case, all things, whatever* in that judge’s court he could justly vindicate for himself, shall be restored to him out of that very judge’s resources, an appraisal having been made

CTh.2.6.3 [=brev.2.6.3]

Idem a. ad bassum pf. p. altero ex litigatoribus in lite defuncto cursum temporis esse reparandum, latis iam dudum legibus continetur. dat. xiii.

The same Augustus to Bassus, praetorian prefect. When one of the litigants has died in the suit, the course of time is to be restored, as is contained in laws long since enacted. Given on the 13.

kal. iun. sirmio, crispo ii. et constantino ii. caess.

on the Kalends of June, at Sirmium, under Crispus and Constantine, Caesars, for the 2nd time.

coss.

consuls.

interpretatio. si unus ex litigatoribus, sive pulsatus sive petitor, intra constitutum per scripturam tempus fortasse defecerit, tempora, quae fuerant statuta, successoribus renoventur

interpretation. if one of the litigants, whether the defendant or the petitioner, should perhaps default within the time constituted by a writing, the time-limits, which had been established, shall be renewed for the successors

CTh.2.6.4 [=brev.2.6.4]

Imppp. constantinus, constantius et constans aaa. ad acyndinum pf. p. si quis iurgantium ante litis terminum ultimum diem obierit, non, ut ante statuimus, a decedentium primo die cursus temporis observari oportet, si successor legitimae aetatis sit, sed ex die petitae bonorum possessionis vel aditae hereditatis ei tempora renovari: ita tamen, ut ea res non lateat possidentem, nec clam, ut fraudem tempori faciat, pertentetur.

the emperors constantine, constantius and constans, augusti, to acyndinus, praetorian prefect. if any of the quarrelers should die before the final day of the suit’s term, it is not, as we previously decreed, necessary that the course of time be observed from the first day of the deceased, if the successor is of lawful age, but from the day of the sought possession of goods (bonorum possessio) or the entered-upon inheritance the time-limits are to be renewed for him: provided, however, that this matter is not concealed from the possessor, nor attempted covertly so as to work a fraud upon the time-limit.

quod si successor minoris aetatis sit, postquam datus tutor sive curator solennia susceptae defensionis impleverit, tempus dinumerari conveniet. dat. et pp. vi. kal.

but if the successor is of lesser age, after the tutor or curator appointed has completed the formalities of the undertaken defense, it will be proper to reckon the time. given and posted on the 6th day before the Kalends.

ian. antiochiae, urso et polemio coss.

jan. at antioch, ursus and polemius, consuls.

interpretatio. si quis de litigatoribus ab hac luce discesserit, heredi eius non ex die, qua ille defunctus est, sed ex quo hereditatem acceperit, actionis tempora, quae auctori ad litem constituta fuerant, renoventur: ita tamen, ut fraus tempori, ex quo res est possessa, non fiat, sed sciat, se rem tenere, qui petitur. quod si heres in annis sit minoribus constitutus, tutori vel curatori ex eo tempora supputentur, ex quo pro minore firmam personam defensionis accepit et rem tenuit

interpretation. if anyone of the litigants has departed from this light, for his heir, not from the day on which he died, but from the time from which he received the inheritance, the periods of the action, which had been constituted for the author of the suit, are to be renewed: provided, however, that fraud is not to the time from which the thing has been possessed, not be done, but let it be known that the one who is sued holds the thing. but if the heir has been set in lesser years (a minor), let the times be computed to the tutor or curator from that point, from which he, on behalf of the minor, received a firm persona of defense and held the thing

CTh.2.6.5 [=brev.2.6.5]

Impp. constantius et constans aa. ad petronium vic. africae.

emperors constantius and constans, augusti, to petronius, vicar of africa.

inter privatos et fiscum, si privatus actionem intendat, quattuor* mensium tempora custodienda sunt: quum vero fiscus privato inferet aliquam quaestionem, sex mensium curricula serventur, utrique parti petendae dilationis per defensores suos copia non neganda, si hoc commoditatis ratio postulaverit. dat. v. id. april.

between private persons and the fisc, if a private person should institute an action, the times of four* months are to be observed:
but when indeed the fisc brings some question against a private person, the courses of six months shall be observed, to each party
the opportunity of seeking a delay through their defenders is not to be denied, if the consideration of convenience shall require this. Given on the 5th day before the Ides of April.

aquileia, acyndino et proculo coss.

aquileia, in the consulship of acyndinus and
proculus.

interpretatio. quando inter fiscum et privatum possessorem de repetitione aliqua fuerit orta contentio, si privatus fiscum repetat, quattuor* menses ad respondendum actor fiscalis habebit inducias: si vero fiscus aliquid a possessore crediderit repetendum, sex mensium ad respondendum dilatio non negetur, dummodo ad praestandas inducias iusta ratio cognoscatur

interpretation. when between the fisc and a private possessor a contention has arisen concerning some repetition (recovery), if the private party seeks repetition against the fisc, the fiscal actor shall have a truce of four* months for responding; but if the fisc has believed that something ought to be repeated from the possessor, a delay (dilation) of six mensum for responding is not to be denied, provided that a just reason is recognized for granting the respites

CTh.2.7.0. De dilationibus

CTh.2.7.0. On postponements

CTh.2.7.1

Imp. constantinus a. ad ursum vicarium. si quando quis rescriptum ad extraordinarium iudicem reportaverit, dilatio ei penitus neganda est.

Emperor Constantine Augustus to Ursus, Vicar. If ever anyone shall have brought back a rescript to an extraordinary judge, adjournment is to be utterly denied to him.

illi autem, qui in iudicium vocatur, danda est ad probanda precum mendacia vel proferenda aliqua instrumenta vel testes, quoniam instructus esse non potuit, qui praeter spem ad alienum iudicem trahebatur. dat. prid.

To him, however, who is called into court, a delay is to be granted for proving the mendacity of the petitions or for producing some documents or witnesses, since
he could not have been prepared, who was being hauled beyond expectation to a foreign judge. Given the day before.

non. mart. volusiano et anniano conss.

the Nones of March, Volusianus and Annianus, consuls.

interpretatio. quando ab aliquo principe praeceptio fuerit surrepta, ut ad alium iudicem quam cui commissus est, adversarium suum pertrahat audiendum, sicut ille, qui petitor est, indutias si petierit, accipere non debuit, ita illi, qui ad iudicium adducitur, dilatio debita non negetur, ut facilius aut per scripturam aut per testes probare vale at illum a quo pulsatus est falsa supplicatione meruisse, quod petiit. (314 mart. 6)

interpretatio. when by some prince a precept has been surreptitiously obtained, so as to drag his adversary to be heard before another judge than the one to whom it has been committed, just as he who is the petitioner, if he has asked for a continuance, ought not to have received it, so to him who is brought to judgment the due delay should not be denied, so that he may the more easily be able either by writing or by witnesses to prove that the man by whom he has been sued has, by a false supplication, obtained what he asked. (March 6, 314)

CTh.2.7.2pr.

Theodosian Code 2.7.2, preface.

Idem a. ad iulianum praefectum urbi. petendae in integrum restitutionis temporibus, ut iam constitutum est, observatis si dilatio ab actore petatur, quae intra metas lege comprehensas valeat artari, eandem quocumque flagitante causis cognitis tribui oportebit: sin vero eiusmodi postulentur curricula, quae intra spatium lege receptum angustari non queunt, quippe si in confinio praedicti temporis petuntur et eius terminos prorogabunt, dilationem petitori denegari conveniet; in eius enim arbitrio fuerat tunc inferre litigium, cum petitae dilationis mora spatio superstite posset includi. (327 iul.

The same Augustus to Julianus, Prefect of the City. With the times for seeking restitutio in integrum, as has already been established, being observed, if a postponement by the actor (plaintiff) be sought, which can be confined within the bounds encompassed by law, it will be proper that the same be granted, to whoever demands it, once the causes are known: but if periods of such a kind are requested as cannot be narrowed within the span received by law—namely, if they are sought on the border of the aforesaid time and will prolong its limits—it will be fitting to deny a postponement to the petitioner; for it was within his discretion then to bring the litigation, when the delay of the requested postponement could be included within the space still remaining. (327 Jul.

19).

CTh.2.7.2.1

Quod si defensio possidentium dilationis suffragia postulaverit, eandem adserta causa citra obstaculum temporis deferri sancimus, quia nequaquam in ipsius steterat potestate, quando litigio pulsaretur. dari igitur debet, etsi impetrata dimensio sese ultra constitutionis regulam proferat. qua dilatione, si a possessore impetretur, etiam petitor in requirendis probationibus uti minime prohibetur.

But if the defense of the possessors shall have requested the aid of a postponement, we decree that the same, the cause having been asserted, be deferred without the obstacle of time, because by no means had it stood in his power when he was struck with litigation. Therefore it ought to be granted, even if the obtained dimension (measurement) of time extends itself beyond the rule of the constitution. With which dilatio, if it be obtained by the possessor, the petitioner also is by no means forbidden to make use of it in seeking proofs.

dat. xiiii kal. aug.; proposita romae constantio et maximo conss.

given on July 19; published at rome, in the consulship of constantius and maximus.

interpretatio. liquet quattuor mensibus constitutum, ut petentibus pro requirenda omni instructione indutiae concedantur. unde si illud spatium requiratur, quod indultum est, id est, quod quattuor menses non possit excedere, praestari conveniet.

interpretation. it is clear that it has been set at four months, that a moratorium be granted to petitioners for obtaining all instruction. whence, if that span is requested which has been granted, that is, which cannot exceed four months, it should be provided.

si vero tales petantur indutiae, quae tempus lege constitutum excedant, petitori debet dilatio denegari, qui scire debuit actionem suam constituto tempore finiendam. quod si ille spatium, qui rem possidet, fortasse petierit, dari sine impedimento temporis, quod petentibus datum est, omnino debebit: quia scire non potuit, quando ab adversario provocaretur ad causam, et quando possessor spatium, ut respondere possit, acceperit, etiam petitor suis partibus poterit necessaria providere. (327 iul.

but if such adjournments are sought
as exceed the time constituted by law, delay ought to be denied to the petitioner, who ought to have known that his action must be finished within the constituted time.
But if perchance the interval should be requested by him who possesses the thing, it must by all means be given without the impediment of the time which was given to petitioners:
because he could not have known when he would be called forth by the adversary to the case, and when the possessor will have received a span so that he may be able to answer,
even the petitioner will be able to provide what is necessary for his own parts. (327 Jul.

19)

CTh.2.7.3 [=brev.2.7.1]

Theodosian Code 2.7.3 [= breviary 2.7.1]

Impp. arcad. et honor.

emperors arcadius and honorius.

aa. messalae pf. p. post alia: de statu atque patrimonio litigantibus in transmarina etiam dilatione mensium novem spatia creditur posse sufficere etc. dat. xii.

the augusti to Messala, praetorian prefect. After other things: concerning those litigating about status and patrimony, even with a transmarine postponement, the spaces of nine months are believed to be able to suffice, etc. Given on the 12th.

kal. dec. theodoro v.C. cos.

Kalends of December, in the consulship of Theodorus, a most distinguished man.

interpretatio. quoties de statu ingenuitatis vel de patrimoniis causa vertitur, si necessaria negotii in transmarinis partibus litigatores habere se dixerint, novem mensium spatium indubitanter accipiant

interpretation. whenever the cause turns on the status of freebornness or on patrimonies, if the litigants shall have said that they have necessary business in transmarine parts, let them undoubtedly receive a span of nine months

CTh.2.8.0. De feriis

CTh.2.8.0. On holidays

CTh.2.8.1 [=brev.2.8.1]

Imp. constantinus a. elpidio. sicut indignissimum videbatur, diem solis, veneratione sui celebrem, altercantibus iurgiis et noxiis partium contentionibus occupari, ita gratum ac iucundum est, eo die, quae sunt maxime votiva, compleri.

Emperor Constantine Augustus to Elpidius. Just as it seemed most unworthy that the day of the Sun, celebrated for its veneration, be occupied by altercating wrangles and noxious contentions of parties,
so it is welcome and pleasant that on that day those things which are most votive be completed.

atque ideo emancipandi et manumittendi die festo cuncti licentiam habeant, et super his rebus acta non prohibeantur. pp. v. non. iul.

And therefore let all have license on the festal day to emancipate and to manumit, and let the acts done concerning these matters not be prohibited. posted July 3.

caralis, crispo ii. et constantino ii. caess. coss.

caralis, crispus 2. and constantine 2. caesars, consuls.

interpretatio. quamvis sancto die dominico omnes lites ac repetitiones quiescere iusserimus, emancipare tamen ac manumittere minime prohibemus, et de his rebus gesta confici pari ordinatione permittimus

interpretation. Although on the holy Lord’s Day we have ordered all lawsuits and claims to be at rest, nevertheless we by no means forbid to emancipate and to manumit, and we permit records to be compiled concerning these matters by the same ordinance

CTh.2.8.18

Theodosian Code 2.8.18

(imppp. gratianus, valentinianus et theodosius aaa. ad principium praefectum praetorio.

(the emperors gratian, valentinian, and theodosius, augusti, to principius, praetorian prefect.

solis die, quem dominicum rite dixere maiores, omnium omnino litium, negotiorum, conventionum quiescat intentio; debitum publicum privatumque nullus efflagitet; nec apud ipsos quidem arbitros vel iudiciis flagitatos vel sponte delectos ulla sit agnitio iurgiorum. et non modo notabilis, verum etiam sacrilegus iudicetur, qui a sanctae religionis instinctu rituve deflexerit. proposita iii non.

On the day of the Sun, which the elders rightly called the Dominical day,
let the pursuit of all litigations, businesses, and convocations wholly rest; let no one exact a public or a private debt; nor, even before arbiters themselves, whether demanded by the courts or chosen of their own accord, let there be any recognition of quarrels. And let him be judged not only notable, but even sacrilegious, who has deflected from the impulse or rite of the holy religion. Posted on the 3 Nones.

nov. aquileiae, accepta viii k. dec. romae honorio n. p. et evodio conss.

in November at Aquileia, received at Rome on the 8th day before the Kalends of December, under Honorius, most noble boy, and
Evodius, consuls.

(386 nov. 3).

(386 November 3).

CTh.2.8.19pr. [=brev.2.8.2pr.]

CTh.2.8.19pref. [=brev.2.8.2pref.]

Imppp. valentin., theodos. et arcad.

the emperors valentinian, theodosius, and arcadius.

aaa. albino pf. u. omnes dies iubemus esse iuridicos. illos tantum manere feriarum dies fas erit, quos geminis mensibus ad requiem laboris indulgentior annus accepit, aestivis fervoribus mitigandis et autumnis foetibus decerpendis.

aaa. to Albinus, prefect of the city, we order all days to be juridical. Only those days of holidays shall be permitted to remain which the more indulgent year has received in the twin months for the repose of labor, for mitigating estival fervors and for plucking autumnal fruits.

CTh.2.8.19.1 [=brev.2.8.2.1]

Kalendarum quoque ianuariarum consuetos dies otio mancipamus.

We also mancipate the customary days of the Kalends of January to leisure.

CTh.2.8.19.2 [=brev.2.8.2.2]

His adiicimus natalitios dies urbium maximarum, romae atque constantinopolis, quibus debent iura deferre, quia et ab ipsis nata sunt.

To these we add the natal days of the greatest cities, rome and constantinople, to which the laws ought to defer, since even the laws themselves were born from them.

CTh.2.8.19.3 [=brev.2.8.2.3]

Sacros quoque paschae dies, qui septeno vel praecedunt numero vel sequuntur, in eadem observatione numeramus, nec non et dies solis, qui repetito in se calculo revolvuntur.

We likewise number the sacred Paschal days, which by the number seven either precede or follow, in the same observance, and also the days of the Sun,
which, with the calculation repeated upon itself, revolve.

CTh.2.8.19.4 [=brev.2.8.2.4]

Parem necesse est haberi reverentiam nostris etiam diebus, qui vel lucis auspicia vel ortus imperii protulerunt. dat. vii.

It is necessary that equal reverence be had for our own days as well, which have brought forth either the auspices of light or the origin of the Empire. Given on the 7.

id. aug. roma, timasio et promoto coss.

on the ides of august, rome,
timasius and promotus consuls.

interpretatio. causas per anni spatium omnibus diebus secundum leges audiri praecipimus. et licet lex quattuor* menses ad fructus colligendos indulserit, sed ita pro provinciarum qualitate et pro praesentia dominorum credidimus faciendum, ut a die viii.

interpretation. We command that cases be heard according to the laws throughout the span of the year on all days. And although the law has indulged four* months for gathering the fruits,
yet we have believed it must be done thus, according to the character of the provinces and the presence of the owners, that from the 8th day.

kalendarum iuliarum usque in kalendas augusti messivae feriae concedantur, et de kalendis augusti usque in x. kalend. septembris agendarum causarum licentia tribuatur. a x. autem kalend.

of the kalends
of july up to the kalends of august let the harvest holidays be granted, and from the kalends of august up to the 10th day before the kalends of september let license for pleading causes be granted. from the 10th, moreover, day before the kalends

septemb. usque in idus octobr. vindemiales feriae concedantur.

from September up to the Ides of October, vintage holidays shall be granted.

dies etiam dominicarum, qui feriati sunt, ab audiendis negotiis vel exigendis debitis sequestramus. sanctos etiam paschae dies, id est septem qui antecedunt, et septem qui sequuntur. nec non et dies natalis domini nostri vel epiphaniae sine forensi strepitu volumus celebrari.

We also sequester the Sundays, which are holidays,
from hearing cases or from the exaction of debts. We likewise sequester the holy days of Pascha (Easter), that is, the seven which precede, and the seven which
follow. And likewise we wish the day of the Nativity of our Lord and of the Epiphany to be celebrated without forensic tumult.

natalem etiam principis vel initium regni pari reverentia convenit observari

the natal day also of the prince, or the initiation
of the reign, ought to be observed with equal reverence

CTh.2.8.20

Idem aaa. proculo praefecto urbi. festis solis diebus circensium sunt inhibenda certamina, quo christianae legis veneranda mysteria nullus spectaculorum concursus avertat, praeter clementiae nostrae natalicios dies.

The same Augusti, to Proculus, Prefect of the City. On the festal days of the Sun, the circensian contests are to be inhibited, so that no concourse for spectacles may divert from the venerable mysteries of the Christian law, except on the natal days of Our Clemency.

dat. xv k. mai. constantinopoli arcadio a. ii et rufino conss.

dated 17 april at constantinople, in the consulship of arcadius augustus for the 2nd time and rufinus.

(392 apr. 17).

(April 17, 392).

CTh.2.8.21

Theodosian Code 2.8.21

Idem aaa. tatiano praefecto praetorio. actus omnes seu publici seu privati diebus quindecim paschalibus sequestrentur.

The same Augusti to Tatianus, praetorian prefect. Let all proceedings, whether public or private, be sequestered for the fifteen Paschal days.

dat. vi k. iun. constantinopoli arcadio a. ii et rufino conss.

Given on the 6th day before the Kalends of June, at Constantinople, in the consulship of Arcadius Augustus for the 2nd time and Rufinus, consuls.

(392 mai. 27).

(392 May 27).

CTh.2.8.22

Theodosian Code 2.8.22

Impp. arcadius et honorius aa. heracliano correctori paflagoniae. sollemnes paganorum superstitionis dies inter feriatos non haberi olim lege reminiscimur imperasse.

The Emperors Arcadius and Honorius, Augusti, to Heraclianus, Corrector of Paphlagonia. We recall that we formerly ordered by law that the solemn days of the pagan superstition are not to be counted among the holidays.

dat. v non. iul.

dated on the 5th day before the Nones of July.

constantinopoli olybrio et probino conss. (395 iul. 3).

at Constantinople, in the consulship of Olybrius and Probinus. (July 3, 395).

CTh.2.8.23

Idem aa. ad aurelianum praefectum praetorio. die dominico, cui nomen ex ipsa reverentia inditum est, nec ludi theatrales nec equorum certamina nec quicquam, quod ad molliendos animos repertum est, spectaculorum in civitate aliqua celebretur. natalis vero imperatorum, etiamsi die dominico inciderit, celebretur.

The same emperors to Aurelianus, Praetorian Prefect. On the Lord’s Day, whose name has been bestowed from that very reverence, neither theatrical games nor contests of horses
nor anything of spectacles that has been devised for the softening of minds shall be celebrated in any city. But the emperors’ natal day,
even if it falls on the Lord’s Day, shall be celebrated.

dat. vi k. sept. constantinopoli theodoro v.C. cons.

Given on the 6th day before the Kalends of September (August 27) at Constantinople, in the consulship of Theodorus, a most distinguished man.

(399 aug. 27).

(399 Aug. 27).

CTh.2.8.24

Idem aa. hadriano praefecto praetorio. religionis intuitu cavemus atque decernimus, ut septem diebus quadragesimae, septem paschalibus, quorum observationibus et ieiuniis peccata purgantur, natalis etiam die et epifaniae spectacula non edantur. dat.

The same Augusti to Hadrianus, Praetorian Prefect. In consideration of religion we provide and decree that on seven days of Lent, seven of the Paschal days,
by the observances and fasts of which sins are purged, and also on the day of the Nativity and of the Epiphany, spectacles are not to be staged. Given.

prid. non. feb.

the day before the Nones of February

ravenna stilichone et aureliano conss. (400

Ravenna
Stilicho and Aurelian, consuls (400

[405] febr. 4).

[405] Feb. 4).

CTh.2.8.25

Theodosian Code 2.8.25

Impp. honorius et theodosius aa. iovio praefecto praetorio. post alia: dominica die, quam vulgo solis appellant, nullas edi penitus patimur voluptates, etsi fortuito in ea aut imperii nostri ortus redeuntibus in semet anni metis obfulserit aut natali debita sollemnia deferantur.

The Emperors Honorius and Theodosius, Augusti, to Jovius, Praetorian Prefect. After other matters: On the Lord’s day, which in common speech they call the day of the Sun, we allow no pleasures/entertainments at all to be put on, even if by chance on it either the anniversary of the rise of our rule should shine forth as the year returns to its own turning-posts, or the due solemnities of a birthday are presented.

dat. kal. april.

given on April 1.

ravenna honorio viii et theodosio iii aa. conss. (409 apr. 1).

Ravenna, when Honorius for the 8th time and Theodosius for the 3rd, the Augusti, were consuls. (409 Apr. 1).

CTh.2.8.26 [=brev.2.8.3]

Theodosian Code 2.8.26 [= Breviary 2.8.3]

Impp. honor. et theodos.

Emperors Honorius and Theodosius.

aa. ioanni pf. p. post alia: die sabbato ac reliquis, sub tempore, quo iudaei cultus sui reverentiam servant, neminem aut facere aliquid aut ulla ex parte conveniri debere praecipimus: quum fiscalibus commodis et litigiis privatorum constat reliquos dies posse sufficere etc. dat. vii.

the augusti to john, praetorian prefect. after other matters: on the sabbath day and on the other [days], during the time when the jews observe the reverence of their cult, we prescribe that no one either do anything or be haled into court in any way; since it is agreed that the remaining days can suffice for the treasury’s interests and for private litigations, etc. given on the 7th.

kal. aug. ravenna, dd. nn. honorio viii.

the Kalends of August, at Ravenna, under our lords, in the 8th consulship of Honorius

et theodos. iii. aa. coss.

and Theodosius for the 3rd time, the Augusti, consuls.

interpretatio. die sabbati nullum iudaeorum aut pro fiscali utilitate aut pro quolibet negotio volumus conveniri, quia religionis eorum dies non debet actione aliqua perturbari

interpretation. On the Sabbath day we wish none of the Jews to be convened, either for fiscal utility or for any business whatsoever, because their day of religion ought not to be perturbed by any action

CTh.2.9.0. De pactis et transactionibus

CTh.2.9.0. On pacts and settlements

CTh.2.9.1

Imp. constantinus a. ad rufinum praefectum praetorio. post alia: litigia sententiis vel transactionibus terminata non sinimus restaurari.

The Emperor Constantine Augustus to Rufinus, Praetorian Prefect. After other matters: we do not permit litigations concluded by sentences or transactions to be restored.

dat. iiii id. mai. ipso a. v et licinio c. conss.

Given on May 12, in the consulship of the emperor himself, for the 5th time, and of Licinius, Caesar.

(319

[352] mai. 12).

[352] May 12).

CTh.2.9.2

Theodosian Code 2.9.2

Imppp. gratianus, valentinianus et theodosius aaa. eutropio praefecto praetorio.

the emperors gratian, valentinian, and theodosius, augusti, to eutropius, the praetorian prefect.

ubi pactum conscriptum est atque aquilianae stipulationis vinculis firmitas iuris innexa, aut gestis secundum legem adcommodandus est consensus aut poena una cum his, quae data probabuntur, ante cognitionem causae inferenda est. dat. iii non.

where a pact has been written and the firmness of right has been fastened by the bonds of an Aquilian
stipulation, either the assent must be entered in the official acts in accordance with the law, or the penalty, together with those things which shall be proved to have been given,
must be exacted before the cognizance of the case. given on the 3 nones.

iun. constantinopoli eucherio et syagrio conss. (381 iun.

june, at Constantinople, in the consulship of Eucherius and Syagrius. (381 June

3).

CTh.2.9.3pr. [=brev.2.9.1pr.]

Theodosian Code 2.9.3 pr. [= breviary 2.9.1 pr.]

Impp. arcad. et honor.

Emperors Arcadius and Honorius.

aa. rufino pf. p. si quis maior annis adversum pacta vel transactiones nullo cogentis imperio, sed libero arbitrio et voluntate confecta putaverit esse veniendum, vel interpellando iudicem, vel supplicando principibus, vel non implendo promissa ea, quae invocato dei omnipotentis nomine, eo auctore, solidaverit, non solum inuratur infamia, verum etiam actione privatus, restituta poena, quae pactis probatur inserta, earum rerum et proprietate careat et emolumento, quod ex pacto vel transactione illa fuerit consecutus. quae omnia eorum mox commodo deputabuntur, qui intemerata pacti iura servaverint.

to rufinus, praetorian prefect. if anyone of full age shall think that he may proceed against pacts or transactions that were concluded under no compelling command, but by free choice and will—either by interpellating the judge, or by supplicating the princes, or by not fulfilling those promises which, with the name of almighty God invoked, with Him as author, he has consolidated—he shall not only be branded with infamy, but also, being deprived of action, with the penalty restored which is shown to have been inserted in the pacts, he shall lack both the proprietorship and the emolument of those things which he has obtained from that pact or transaction. all these things will forthwith be assigned to the advantage of those who have preserved unviolated the rights of the pact.

CTh.2.9.3.1 [=brev.2.9.1.1]

Eos etiam huius litis vel iactura dignos iubemus esse vel munere, qui nomina nostra placitis inserentes, salutem principum confirmationem initarum esse iuraverint pactionum. dat. v. id. oct.

We also order those to be deserving either of the loss of this litigation or of a munus, who, inserting our names into agreements, shall have sworn, by the safety of the princes,
that the confirmation of the pactions entered into has been made. Given on the 5th day before the Ides of October.

constantinopoli, olybrio et probino coss.

at constantinople, with olybrius and probinus as consuls.

interpretatio. si quis post xxv. aetatis suae annum adversus pactionem vel definitionem suam, quam nulla potestate constrictus emisit, sed voluntate propria fecisse dignoscitur, aut interpellare iudices aut potestatum animos contra hoc, quod fecit, precibus adire praesumpserit* aut implere neglexerit ea, quae sub sacramenti interpositione definitionis suae scriptura testatur: non solum ex hoc facto pronuntietur infamis, sed nec causam ipsam agere permittatur et poenam, quam in pacto constituit, cogatur exsolvere: et quicquid partibus suis per eandem scripturam fuerit deputatum, illis continuo conferatur, qui emissae pactionis definitionem sine aliqua contrarietate servaverint. illos quoque praecipimus similis poenae condicione* constringi, qui dominorum nomina placitis inserentes, definita implere neglexerint: quod illis pro munere conservatae pactionis accrescat, qui sacramenta et definita servaverint

interpretation. if anyone after the 25th year of his age, against his pact or his definition (settlement), which he issued constrained by no power but is recognized to have done by his own will, shall have presumed to interpellate the judges or to approach the minds of the powers (authorities) with petitions against that which he did, or shall have neglected to fulfill the things which the writing of his definition attests under the interposition of the oath (sacrament): let him be pronounced not only infamous from this deed, but let him not be permitted to plead the cause itself, and let him be compelled to pay out the penalty which he established in the pact; and whatever by the same writing shall have been assigned to the parties on the other side, let it be conferred upon them forthwith, who shall have kept the definition of the issued pact without any contrariety. we also command that those be bound under a like condition of penalty*, who, inserting the names of their lords into the agreements, have neglected to fulfill the defined terms: so that, as a boon of the preserved pact, it may accrue to those who shall have kept the oaths and the defined terms.

CTh.2.10.0. De postulando

CTh.2.10.0. On petitioning

CTh.2.10.1

Imp. constantinus a. antiocho praefecto vigilum. iussione subversa, qua certus advocatorum numerus singulis tribunalibus praefinitus est, omnes licentiam habeant, ut quisque ad huius industriae laudem in quo voluerit auditorio pro ingenii sui virtute nitatur.

Emperor Constantine Augustus to Antiochus, Prefect of the Watch. With the injunction overturned, by which a fixed number of advocates was pre‑defined for individual tribunals, let all have license, so that each may strive for the praise of this profession, in whatever auditorium he wishes, according to the excellence of his own genius.

dat. k. nov. serdicae constantino a. v et licinio c. conss.

dated on the kalends of november at serdica, when constantine augustus for the 5th time and licinius caesar were consuls.

(319 nov. 1).

(319 Nov. 1).

CTh.2.10.2

Theodosian Code 2.10.2

Idem a. ad antiochum praefectum vigilum. destituuntur negotia et temporibus suis excidunt, dum advocati per multa officia et diversa secretaria rapiuntur; ideoque censuimus, ne hi, qui semel protestati fuerint, quod apud te causas acturi sunt, apud alium iudicem agendi habeant potestatem. proposita k. nov.

The same Augustus to Antiochus, Prefect of the Watch. Business is left in the lurch and falls from its proper times, while advocates are dragged off to many offices and diverse
secretariats; and therefore we have decreed that those who have once declared that they are going to plead cases before you shall not have the power of pleading before another judge.
Posted on the Kalends of November.

serdicae constantino a. v. et licinio c. conss. (319 nov. 1).

At Serdica, with Constantine, Augustus for the 5th time, and Licinius, Caesar, as consuls. (319 Nov. 1).

CTh.2.10.3

Theodosian Code 2.10.3

Idem a. helladio. saepius claruit quosdam ex advocatis existimationi suae inmensa atque illicita compendia praetulisse nomine honorariorum. (325 mart.

The same Augustus to Helladius. It has often become clear that certain of the advocates have preferred to their own estimation immense and illicit profits under the name of honoraria. (325 mar.

30).

CTh.2.10.4 [=brev.2.10.1]

Imp. constantinus a. ad bassum pf. p. advocatos, qui consceleratis depectionibus suae opis egentes spoliant atque denudant, non iure causae, sed fundorum, pecorum et mancipiorum qualitate rationeque tractata, dum eorum praecipua poscunt coacta sibi pactione transscribi, ab honestorum coetu iudiciorumque conspectu segregari praecipimus. pp. viii.

The Emperor Constantine Augustus to Bassus, praetorian prefect: We order that advocates who, by criminal exactions, despoil and strip those in need of their help, not by the right of the case,
but after the quality and valuation of estates, herds, and slaves have been canvassed, while they demand that the chief assets of these be transferred to themselves by a coerced agreement,
be separated from the company of honorable men and from the sight of the courts. Published on the 8.

id. mart. constantinopoli, constantino a. viii. et constantio caes.

ides of march, at constantinople, in the consulship of constantine augustus for the 8th time and
constantius caesar.

coss.

consuls.

interpretatio. advocati, id est causas agentes, qui per iniquam cupiditatem susceptos, quorum causas acturi sunt, prius cogunt de rebus suis taliter scriptura intercedente pacisci, ut omnia, quae meliora sunt in agris aut in mancipiis aut in pecoribus, ad eos sub promissa defensione perveniant, et ideo qui tam scelerati in eos, quibus patrocinium promittunt, fuerint deprehensi, et a conventu honestorum virorum et iudiciorum communione praecipimus segregari

interpretation. advocates, that is, those acting in causes, who through unjust cupidity first compel the clients—whose cases they are going to plead—to make terms concerning their goods in such a manner, with a writing interceding, that all the things which are better in fields or in slaves or in herds may come to them under promised defense; and therefore those who shall be detected as so criminal against those to whom they promise patronage, we command to be segregated from the assembly of honorable men and from the communion of courts

CTh.2.10.5 [=brev.2.10.2]

Impp. valentin. et valens aa. olybrio pf. u. quisquis vult esse causidicus, ipsam solam sumat in causas agendo personam, nec idem in eodem negotio defensor sit et quaesitor, quoniam aliquem inter arbitros et patronos oportet esse delectum.

The Emperors Valentinian and Valens, Augusti, to Olybrius, Urban Prefect: whoever wishes to be an advocate, let him assume that one role alone in conducting cases, nor let the same person in the same matter be both defender and inquisitor, since someone ought to be chosen between the arbiters and the patrons.

acc. xii. kal.

received on the 12th day before the Kalends.

sept. ipsis aa. coss.

September, the emperors themselves
consuls.

interpretatio. quicumque* causas suscipere vel agere voluerit alienas, hoc sibi noverit vindicandum, ne velit in eo negotio, quod susceperit, et iudicis et assertoris habere personam

interpretation. whoever* may wish to undertake or to plead another’s causes, let him know this is to be vindicated for himself, that he not wish in that business, which he has undertaken,
to have the persona of both judge and assertor

CTh.2.10.6 [=brev.2.10.3]

Impp. honor. et theodos.

The Emperors Honorius and Theodosius.

aa. eustathio pf. p. [de re necessaria ad locum.] altero beneficio non solum per forum tuae magnitudinis, sed in universis iudiciis valituro, ut filiifamilias, quicquid ex huiuscemodi professione vel ipsius occasione conquisierint, id post patris obitum praecipuum, veluti peculium castrense, proprio dominio valeant vindicare: sub tali forma, quam militantibus, ex iure procinctis, cinguli praerogativa detulit. dat. x. kal.

the augusti to eustathius, praetorian prefect. [on the matter necessary to the place.] with another benefit to be in force not only in the forum of your Magnitude, but in all courts,
that sons subject to a father’s power, whatever they have acquired from a profession of this kind or by its very occasion, may after the father’s death claim it as a special share, like the castrense peculium (military peculium), to their own proper dominion: under such a form as the prerogative of the belt, by the right of those girded for battle, has bestowed upon men in military service. given on the 10th before the Kalends.

april. constantinopoli, dd. nn. honorio xiii. et theodos.

april. at constantinople, in the consulship of our lords Honorius (13) and Theodosius.

x. aa. coss.

10. the augusti, consuls.

interpretatio. quicquid vivo patre filius advocatus de causarum susceptione acquisierit, sibi noverit vindicandum, sicut castrense peculium, quod in armis constituti filii probantur acquirere vel illi, qui iudiciariam vivis parentibus meruerint potestatem

interpretation. whatever a son, being an advocate, while his father is living, has acquired from the undertaking of cases, he should know is to be claimed as his own, just like the castrense peculium, which sons in military service are acknowledged to acquire, or those who have earned judicial power while their parents are living.

CTh.2.11.0. De erroribus advocatorum.

CTh.2.11.0. On the errors of advocates.

CTh.2.11.1 [=brev.2.11.1]

Theodosian Code 2.11.1 [=breviary 2.11.1]

Imp. constantinus a. furio felici. advocatorum errores in competenti iudicio litigatoribus non praeiudicant.

The Emperor Constantine Augustus to Furius Felix. The errors of advocates in the competent court do not prejudice litigants.

dat. v. kal. aug.

Dated on the 5th day before the Kalends of August (July 28).

constantino a. vi. et constantino caes. coss.

In the consulship of Constantine Augustus, for the 6th time,
and Constantine Caesar, consuls.

interpretatio. advocatus, si in suscepti causa aliquid in praeiudicium per errorem dixerit, praeiudicare ei, a quo adhibitus est, nullatenus debet: si continuo de ipso errore fuerit reclamatum

interpretation. An advocate, if in the cause undertaken he has said something in prejudice through error, ought in no way to prejudice him by whom he was employed: if there was immediately a protest raised about that very error

CTh.2.12.0. De cognitoribus et procuratoribus.

CTh.2.12.0. On cognitors and procurators.

CTh.2.12.1 [=brev.2.12.1]

Imp. iulianus a. secundo pf. p. nulla dubitatio est, post causam in iudicio publicatam, utpote dominum litis procuratorem effectum, etiam post excessum eius, qui defensionem mandaverat, posse inchoatam litem iurgiumque finire: quippe quum et procuratorem posse eum instituere et ad heredes suos inchoata transmittere, veteres iuris voluerunt conditores. lecta apud acta prid.

Emperor Julian Augustus to Secundus, Praetorian Prefect. There is no doubt that, after the cause has been made public in court, since the procurator has been made the master of the suit, even after the death of him who had mandated the defense, he can bring to an end the suit and the quarrel that was begun; since the ancient founders of the law willed that he could both appoint a procurator and transmit the things begun to his heirs. Read among the records the day before.

non. febr. iuliano a. iv. et sallustio coss.

the nones of february; julian augustus for the 4th time and
sallustius, consuls.

interpretatio. qui dominus et procurator de cuiuslibet rei petitione fuerit institutus et susceptam litem vivo mandatore per actionem repetendo fuerit contestatus, etiamsi ille, qui ei mandatum tale fecerat, de hac luce discedat, liceat ei rem, quam repetendam susceperat, sibimet ipsi defensare et alium procuratorem in hac causa, si voluerit, qui repetat, ut dominus ordinare atque actionem ad heredes suos successoresque transmittere: quia sicut in rebus, quae possidentur, procuratores tantum adversus pulsantes nec non et domini possunt firmiter ordinari, ita in rebus, quae repetuntur, dominos procuratoresque facere is, qui pulsat ac repetit, iure permittitur. solum est, ut mandatum ad vicem donationis factum, actis habeatur insertum

interpretation. whoever has been instituted both as owner and as procurator with respect to the petition of any thing, and, while the mandator is alive, has joined issue in the suit undertaken by repeating the action for recovery, even if he who had made such a mandate to him departs from this light, let it be permitted to him to defend for himself the thing which he had undertaken to repeat (recover), and, if he wishes, to appoint another procurator in this case to repeat it, as an owner, and to transmit the action to his heirs and successors: because just as in things which are possessed, procurators as well as owners can be duly appointed against those who press a claim, so in things which are repeated (reclaimed), it is permitted by law for the one who presses and repeats to constitute owners and procurators. the only thing is that a mandate made in the place of a donation be held to have been inserted into the acts.

CTh.2.12.2 [=brev.2.12.2]

Impp. valentin. et valens aa. sallustio pf. p. commune negotium et quibusdam absentibus agi potest, si praesentes rem ratam dominum habiturum cavere parati sunt, vel si, quod ab his petitur, iudicatum solvi satisdatione firmaverint.

The Emperors Valentinian and Valens, Augusti, to Sallustius, Praetorian Prefect: A common matter can be transacted even with certain persons absent, if those present are prepared to give security that the principal will hold the matter ratified, or if they have confirmed by a surety for payment of the judgment that what is demanded from them will be paid.

pp. vi. id. dec. divo ioviano et varroniano coss.

published on December 8, in the consulship of the divine Jovian and
Varronianus.

interpretatio. communes causas absentibus consortibus alii consortes agere possunt, si illi, qui praesentes fuerint, caveant acceptum esse illis, qui absentes sunt, quicquid fuerit iudicatum, aut in praesenti fideiussorem dederint, ut omnia, quae definita fuerint, implere non differant

interpretation. other consorts can act for common causes on behalf of consorts who are absent, if those who shall have been present guarantee that, for those who are absent, whatever shall have been adjudged is accepted, or if they have given on the spot a fidejussor (surety), so that they do not delay to fulfill everything that shall have been determined

CTh.2.12.3 [=brev.2.12.3]

Imppp. grat., valentin. et theodos.

The Emperors Gratian, Valentinian, and Theodosius.

aaa. pancratio pf. u. in principio quaestionis persona debet inquiri, et utrum ad agendum negotium mandato utatur accepto. quibus rite et solenniter constitutis, potest esse sententia: praeteritis autem his, nec dici controversiae solent, nec potest esse iudicium etc.

aaa. to Pancratius, Prefect of the City. At the beginning of the inquisition the person ought to be inquired into, and whether he uses a mandate received to conduct the business. When these things have been duly and solemnly established, there can be a sentence; but if these are passed over, controversies are not wont to be stated, nor can there be a judgment, etc.

dat. prid. non.

dated the day before the nones.

april. constantinopoli, antonio et syagrio coss.

april. at constantinople, antonius and syagrius, consuls.

interpretatio. quum primum ad iudicem causa fuerit intromissa, personarum firmitas requiratur, ut is, qui causam alterius prosequitur, mandatum eius, cuius causam agendam susceperat, proferre procuret

interpretatio. as soon as the cause shall have been intromitted to the judge, the standing of the persons shall be inquired into, so that he who prosecutes another’s cause, may procure to bring forward the mandate of him whose cause he had undertaken to plead

CTh.2.12.4 [=brev.2.12.4]

Imppp. theodos., arcad. et honor.

emperors theodosius, arcadius, and honorius.

aaa. victorio proconsuli asiae. procurator, licet maritus sit, id solum exsequi debet, quod procuratio emissa praescripserit.

aaa. To Victorius, proconsul of Asia. A procurator, although he is a husband, ought to execute only that which the issued procuration has prescribed.

dat. v. kal. iul.

given on the 5th day before the Kalends of July.

theodos. a. iii. et abundantio v.C. coss.

theodosius, augustus, 3, and abundantius, a most distinguished man, consuls.

interpretatio. qui uxoris suae negotium fuerit prosecutus, quamvis maritus sit, nihil aliud agat, nisi quod ei agendum per mandatum illa commiserit

interpretation. whoever has prosecuted his wife's business, although he is the husband, should do nothing else, except what she by mandate has committed to him to be done

CTh.2.12.5 [=brev.2.12.5]

Iidem aaa. rufino pf. p. nullo pacto feminae aut amplius, quam sibi competit, agere aut pro aliis possunt intervenire personis. dat.

The same emperors, to Rufinus, Prefect of the Praetorium: In no way can women either act beyond what is fitting for themselves, or intervene on behalf of other persons. Given.

iv. kal. oct. constantinopoli, theodos.

on the 4th day before the Kalends of October, at Constantinople, Theodosius.

a. iii. et abundantio v.C. coss.

Aetius for the 3rd time and Abundantius, most distinguished men, consuls.

interpretatio. nulla ratione feminae amplius quam suas agendi causas habeant potestatem: nec alicuius causam a se noverint prosequendam

interpretation. in no way shall women have the power to conduct causes beyond their own; nor shall they know anyone’s case by themselves to be prosecuted

CTh.2.12.6 [=brev.2.12.6]

Theodosian Code 2.12.6 [=Breviarium 2.12.6]

Impp. arcad. et honor.

The Emperors Arcadius and Honorius.

aa. andromacho pf. u. post alia: nemo militantium fiat susceptor defensorve causarum, nec ad cognitionem alieni iurgii suffragator accedat etc. dat. prid.

the augusti to andromachus, prefect of the city. after other things: let no one of the soldiery become a susceptor or defender of causes, nor let him approach as a suffragator to the hearing of another’s quarrel, etc. given, on the day before.

non. iul. mediolano, olybrio et probino coss.

on the nones of july at milan, olybrius and probinus, consuls.

interpretatio. militantes non permittuntur legibus lites suscipere alienas, nec procuratores fieri possunt

interpretation. soldiers are not permitted by the laws to take up others’ lawsuits, nor can they become procurators

CTh.2.12.7 [=brev.2.12.7]

Codex Theodosianus 2.12.7 [= Breviarium 2.12.7]

Imp. theodos. a. et valentin.

The Emperors Theodosius Augustus and Valentinian.

caes. asclepiodoto pf. p. si lite contestata procuratorem vel cognitorem, qui litis minister est ordinatus, mori contigerit, minime eius quaerantur heredes, ne supervacua domino causae laboris occasio protendatur, sed statim ad eum migrent omnes, qui dominus causae fuerat, actiones. et successoribus procuratoris nulla super eo petitio relinquatur, nisi tantum expensarum nomine vel factorum litis causa sumptuum*. nec sane videtur incongruum cognitori, quum manifestum sit, si cognitor vel praesentis procurator usus fuerit in iudicio prosperiore fortuna, vel eadem non flante devictus, iudicati actionem sine ulla cunctatione in dominum dari vel domino.

The emperors to Asclepiodotus, the praetorian prefect. If, once suit has been joined, it happens that the procurator or the cognitor, who has been appointed as the minister of the lawsuit, dies, by no means are his heirs to be sought, lest a superfluous occasion of toil be extended to the principal of the case; rather, let all actions at once migrate to him who had been the master of the case. And let no claim be left against the successors of the procurator on that account, except only in the name of expenses or of costs incurred for the sake of the lawsuit*. Nor indeed does it seem incongruous, since it is manifest that, whether the cognitor or the present procurator has enjoyed a more prosperous fortune in the trial, or, that same not blowing, has been defeated, the action on the judgment (actio iudicati) should, without any delay, be afforded either against the principal or to the principal.

et haec quidem in actoris persona de litis ministro edixisse sufficiat; ceterum in rei quoque idem licere, non dubium est, quamvis abunde legum veterum observatione munita sit, quae, si in rem quoque suam cognitor vel procurator quis fuerit ordinatus, simili modo nihil novi requirere patiuntur etc. dat. xviii.

and
these things indeed in the person of the plaintiff concerning the minister of the lawsuit let it suffice to have been edicted; moreover, that the same is permitted also in the defendant’s case is not in doubt, although it is abundantly
fortified by the observance of the ancient laws, which allow that, if someone has been appointed a cognitor or procurator even in his own interest, in a similar way nothing new
be required, etc. Given on the 18th.

kal. dec. constantinopoli, victore v.C. cos.

On the Kalends of December at Constantinople, Victor, a most distinguished man, consul.

interpretatio. procurator est, cui per mandatum causa committitur. cognitor est, cui sine mandato causam suam agendam praesens praesente iudice litigator iniungit.

interpretation. a procurator is he to whom, through a mandate, the cause is committed. a cognitor is he to whom, without a mandate, the litigator, being present with the judge present, enjoins his own cause to be prosecuted.

si procurator aut cognitor tantummodo, non dominus et procurator effectus, post litem contestatam quolibet casu de hac luce discesserit, de mandato sibi negotio ad suum nihil transmittit heredem: nisi tantum sumptuum* vel expensarum repetitionem, quam auctorem suum in suscepta causa fecisse probaverit: lis vero ad mandatorem redit. si praesentis procurator vincatur aut vincat, in dominum vel domino, non in procuratorem vel procuratori actio tribuetur iudicati. idem est et in pulsati possessoris procuratore servandum, si aut vincatur aut vincat.

If a procurator or cognitor only, not having been made master and procurator, should depart from this light by any chance after the issue has been joined, he transmits nothing of the business mandated to him to his heir: except only the repetition (recovery) of costs* or expenses, which he shall have proved his author/principal to have incurred in the undertaken cause; but the suit returns to the mandator. If the procurator of one who is present is defeated or prevails, an action on the judgment will be granted against or to the dominus (principal), not against or to the procurator. The same is to be observed also in the procurator of a possessor who has been impleaded, whether he is defeated or prevails.

et si in rem suam quis factus fuerit dominus et procurator, et procuratorem ipse pro sua utilitate iam fecerit, similiter exitus rei iudicatae dominum respiciet, non actorem

and if someone has been made, for his own interest, owner and procurator, and he himself has already made a procurator for his own utility, similarly the outcome of the res iudicata will look to the owner, not to the actor

CTh.2.13.0. De actionibus ad potentes translatis.

CTh.2.13.0. On actions transferred to the powerful.

CTh.2.13.1 [=brev.2.13.1]

Impp. honor. et theodos.

The Emperors Honorius and Theodosius.

aa. ioanni pf. p. post alia: si cuiuscumque* modi cautiones ad potentum fuerint delatae personas, debiti creditores iactura mulctentur. aperta enim credentium videtur esse voracitas, qui alios actionum suarum redimunt exactores etc. dat.

AA. To John, Praetorian Prefect. After other things: if cautions of whatever* kind shall have been delivered to the persons of the powerful, let the creditors of the debt be mulcted by a loss. For the voracity of the lenders seems evident, who buy up others as exactors of their actions, etc. Given.

v. id. iul. ravenna, dd. nn. honorio xiii. et theodos.

the 5th day before the ides of july, ravenna, by our lords honorius (13) and theodosius.

x. aa. coss.

10. the augusti, consuls.

interpretatio. qui cautiones exigendas potentibus dederint, omne debitum perdant: quia, ubi potest esse repetitio, potestas ad exigendum non debet a creditoribus invitari

interpretation. those who have given securities to the powerful for exaction shall forfeit all claim to the debt: because, where recovery can be had, the power to exact ought not to be invited by creditors

CTh.2.14.0. De his, qui potentiorum nomina in lite praetendunt aut titulos praediis affigunt.

CTh.2.14.0. On those who put forward the names of the more powerful in litigation or affix titles to estates.

CTh.2.14.1 [=brev.2.14.1]

Impp. arcad. et honor.

Emperors Arcadius and Honorius.

aa. messalae pf. p. animadvertimus, plurimos iniustarum desperatione causarum potentium titulos et clarissimae privilegia dignitatis his, a quibus in ius vocantur, opponere. ac ne in fraudem legum adversariorumque terrorem his nominibus abutantur et titulis, qui huiusmodi dolo scientes connivent, afficiendi sunt publicae sententiae nota. quod si nullum in hac parte consensum praebuerint, ut libelli aut tituli eorum nominibus aedibus affigantur alienis, eatenus in eos, qui fecerint, vindicetur, ut, affecti plumbo, perpetuis metallorum suppliciis deputentur.

the augusti to messala, praetorian prefect. we have observed that very many, from a desperation of unjust causes, oppose to those by whom they are called into court the titles of the powerful and the most illustrious privileges of rank.
and lest they abuse these names and titles to the fraud of the laws and the terror of their adversaries, those who, knowing of such a trick, connive, are to be branded with the mark of a public sentence.
but if they shall have given no consent in this matter, namely that libels or titles be affixed, in their names, to others’ houses, let retribution be taken upon those who have done it to this extent: that, fettered with lead,
they be assigned to the perpetual punishments of the mines.

quisquis igitur lite pulsatus, quum ipse et rei sit possessor et iuris, et titulum illatae solenniter pulsationis exceperit, contradictoriis libellis aut titulis alterius nomen crediderit inserendum, eius possessionis aut causae, quam sub hac fraude aut retinere aut evitare tentaverit, amissione mulctetur, nec repetendae actionis, etiamsi ei vel probabilis negotii merita suffragantur, habeat facultatem. eos sane, qui se sponte alienis litibus inseri patiuntur, quum his neque proprietas, neque possessio competat, veluti famae suae prodigos et calumniarum redemptores* notari oportebit. dat.

Whoever therefore is litigiously assailed, when he himself is possessor both of the thing and of the right, and has received the title of the solemnly-brought suit, if he has believed that in contradictory libels or titles the name of another should be inserted, let him be mulcted by the loss of that possession or cause which under this fraud he has attempted either to retain or to evade, nor let him have the faculty of repeating the action, even if the merits of a plausible claim support him. Those indeed who of their own accord allow themselves to be inserted into others’ lawsuits, when to them belongs neither ownership nor possession, ought to be marked as spendthrifts of their own reputation and purchasers of calumnies*, to be noted. Given.

v. kal. dec. mediolano, stilicone v.C. et aureliano coss.

5 days before the Kalends of December, at Milan,
Stilicho, a most distinguished man, and Aurelianus, consuls.

interpretatio. cognovimus, multos causas suas per potentium personas excusare vel prosequi, ita ut libellos vel titulos eorum nominibus, qui dignitate praeclari sunt, quo facilius terreant possessores, in his domibus, quae ab eis repetuntur, affigant, aut certe, si aliquid repetatur, nomine magnorum et clarissimorum virorum prolatis libellis contradictoriis se specialiter excusare. quod si ex eorum voluntate factum fuerit, quorum nomina libelli testantur, publice debet dignitas eorum pro omni vilitate notari.

interpretation. we have come to know that many excuse or prosecute their cases through the persons of the powerful, such that they affix libelli or titles with the names of those who are distinguished in dignity, in order the more easily to terrify the possessors, in those houses which are being reclaimed by them, or at any rate, if anything is being reclaimed, to excuse themselves specifically by proffering contradictory libelli under the name of great and most illustrious men. but if it shall have been done by the will of those whose names the libelli attest, their dignity ought publicly to be noted for every vileness.

illi vero, qui causas suas tali fraude agere praesumpserint*, plumbatis caesi, in metallum damnati perdurent. unde quicumque* de re conventus, in qua dominus esse dignoscitur, si alterius nomine se voluerit defensare aut alium alterius nomine inquietare praesumpserit*, causam perdat: et rei, de qua agitur, seu possessionem seu repetitionem amittat, quamvis boni meriti negotium possit habere

but those who shall have presumed* to conduct their cases with such fraud, beaten with leaded lashes, condemned to the mines, shall endure. Hence whoever* is convened concerning a matter in which he is recognized to be lord, if he should wish to defend himself in another’s name, or shall have presumed* to trouble another in another’s name, let him lose the case; and let him forfeit the thing about which the action is brought, whether possession or repetition (recovery), although the business may be able to have good merit.

CTh.2.15.0. De dolo malo.

CTh.2.15.0. On dolus malus.

CTh.2.15.1 [=brev.2.15.1]

Imp. constantinus a. ad symmachum v.C. optimum duximus, non ex eo die, quo se quisque admissum dolum didicisse memoraverit, neque intra anni utilis tempus, sed potius ex eo die, quo asseritur commissus dolus, intra continuum tempus anni, eis, quibus esse decertandi ius invenitur, eiusmodi actionem causa cognita deferri; ita ut, si forte is, contra quem res agitur, longius ullo genere discesserit, nec denuntiandi necessitate petitor oneretur, nec eius, qui aberit, praesentia postuletur. nec tamen assistere, si velit, quisquam prohibeatur examini, contra quem decernenda intentio huiusmodi fuerit expetita: ita ut, impetrata doli actione, lis ad suum iudicem translata intra biennii spatium decidatur, ratione temporis custodita, quum legitime fuerit apud suum iudicem coepta, exemplo litium ceterarum.

The Emperor Constantine Augustus to Symmachus, a most distinguished man. We have judged it best that not from that day on which each person may say he remembers to have learned that fraud was perpetrated, nor within the time of a useful year, but rather from that day on which the fraud is asserted to have been committed, within the continuous time of a year, for those in whom the right of contesting is found, an action of this kind, the cause having been examined, be granted; with the result that, if by chance the one against whom the matter is prosecuted has withdrawn farther away in any manner, neither is the petitioner burdened with the necessity of giving notice, nor is the presence of the one who will be absent demanded. Nor, however, is anyone forbidden to be present at the examination, if he wishes, against whom a claim of this sort is sought to be decreed: with the result that, the action of fraud having been obtained, the suit, transferred to its proper judge, be decided within the span of two years, account of time being kept, since it has been lawfully begun before its proper judge, following the example of the other suits.

perpetuo vero silentio conquiescat, nisi ex die, quo impetrata fuerit actio, intra continuum biennium, quod sequitur, omnis lis fuerit decisa. omnes igitur sciant, neque incipiendae post biennium, neque ante completum biennium coeptae, post biennium finiendae doli actionis concessam licentiam. dat.

but let it rest in perpetual silence, unless, from the day on which the action shall have been obtained, within the continuous two-year period that follows, the whole lawsuit shall have been decided.
therefore let all know that leave is not granted for an action of fraud either to be begun after two years, nor, if begun before the two years are complete, to be finished after two years.
given.

viii. kal. aug.

8th day before the Kalends of August.

naisso, constantino a. v. et licinio caes. coss.

at naissus, constantine, augustus for the 5th time, and licinius caesar, consuls.

interpretatio. dolus malus est, quoties per aliquam scripturam vel fraudem ea, quae definita sunt, per scripturae argumenta mutantur. vel si quis per chartarum suppositionem aut per surreptionem aliquam id, quod contra se futurum sit, ut consentire videatur, inducitur, vel quum his similia discutiente iudice probantur admissa.

interpretation. Malicious deceit is, whenever by some writing or by fraud those things which have been defined are changed by the arguments of the writing. Or if someone, through the supposition of papers or through some surreption, is induced to seem to consent to that which would be against himself, or when things similar to these, with the judge discussing, are proven to have been committed.

et ideo ille, qui queritur, dolo se fuisse gravatum, intra biennium suas et incipiat et definiat actiones: ultra sibi nec ad inchoandum, nec ad definiendum tempus noverit esse concessum. nam si aut illum, qui dolum admisisse dicitur, aut illum, qui pertulit, absentem esse contigerit, a tempore, quo apud iudicem agere coeperit, biennium ad definiendam actionem sciat sibi esse permissum

And therefore he who complains that he has been aggrieved by fraud must, within two years, both begin and conclude his actions: beyond that, let him know that no time has been granted him either for commencing or for concluding. For if it happens that either the one who is said to have committed the fraud, or the one who suffered it, is absent, from the time when he began to proceed before the judge, let him know that a period of two years is permitted to him for concluding the action.

CTh.2.16.0. De integri restitutione.

CTh.2.16.0. On complete restitution.

CTh.2.16.1 [=brev.2.16.1]

Imp. constantinus a. ad populum. in integrum restitutione minoribus adversus commentitias venditiones et adversus tutorum insidias sanctionum praesidio cautum esse, non dubium est: ac si quid forte iidem de suo in fraudem tutelae alienasse docerentur, fraudatorio interdicto prospectum esse minoribus declaratur.

Emperor Constantine Augustus, to the people. That by the safeguard of sanctions provision has been made, in the matter of restitution in integrum, for minors against feigned sales and against the insidious plots of tutors is not doubtful: and if perchance those same persons should be shown to have alienated something of their own in fraud of the guardianship, it is declared that provision has been made for the minors by the fraudatory interdict.

dat. iii. id. mart.

Given on the 3rd day before the Ides of March.

sirmio, ipso a. vii. et constantio caes. coss.

Sirmium, when the same Augustus in his 7th consulship and Constantius Caesar were consuls.

interpretatio. in annis minoribus constitutis multum legibus constat esse prospectum. et ideo adversus tutorum fraudes vel venditiones, quas minoribus aliquibus commentis extorserint, aut quicquid sub tutelae nomine iniuste egerint, noverint legis beneficio revocandum

interpretation. in years of minority being constituted, it is established that much has been provided by the laws. and therefore, against the frauds or venditions of guardians, which they have extorted from minors by some contrivances, or whatever they have unjustly done under the name of tutelage, let them know it is to be revoked by the benefit of the law

CTh.2.16.2pr. [=brev.2.16.2pr.]

Idem a. ad bassum pf. p. placuit, post completum quintum et vicesimum annum, ex eo, quo vicesimi et sexti anni dies illuxerit, ad interponendam contestationem in urbe roma usque ad anni tricesimi extremum diem spatia prorogari, et intra centesimum urbis romae milliarium, si tamen ab his iudicibus, qui romae sunt, fuerit iudicandum: per omnem vero italiam usque ad finem anni vicesimi et noni: in ceteris omnibus provinciis usque ad completum annum vicesimum et octavum. quo transacto tempore manifeste omnes sciant, legum sibi deinceps praesidia denegari, quandoquidem, contestationis necessitate depulsa, finiendas integri restitutionum decidendasque causas certo genere clauserimus.

The same emperor to Bassus, praetorian prefect: it has pleased that, after the completion of the 25th year, from the day on which the 26th year dawns, the periods for interposing the contestation in the city of rome be prolonged up to the last day of the 30th year, and within the 100th milestone of the city of rome, provided that it is to be adjudged by those judges who are at rome; but through all italy up to the end of the 29th year; in all the other provinces up to the completion of the 28th year. When this time has passed, let all plainly know that thereafter the protections of the laws are denied to them, since, with the necessity of contestation dispelled, we have, by a fixed mode, closed the finishing of restitutions in integrum and the deciding of causes.

CTh.2.16.2.1 [=brev.2.16.2.1]

Eandem autem custodiri temporum convenit rationem, si forte quis beneficio nostro aetatis veniam fuerit consecutus, ex eo die, quo indulgentia nostra in iudicio competenti fuerit intimata, eique administratio rei propriae reserata, ut ad persequendas in integrum restitutiones finiendasque causas iuge tempus habeat praestitutum.

Moreover, it is fitting that the same reckoning of times be observed, if perchance anyone shall have obtained by our beneficence a pardon of age, from that day on which our indulgence shall have been made known in the competent court, and the administration of his own property has been unbarred to him, so that for pursuing restitutions in integrum and for finishing causes he may have a continuous time prescribed.

CTh.2.16.2.2 [=brev.2.16.2.2]

Si quando sane in minoris iura successerit minor, minime prohibeatur, quum quintum et vicesimum aetatis suae annum transierit, integri restitutionis beneficio uti, tempore illibato.

If at any time indeed a minor has succeeded to the rights of a minor, let him by no means be prohibited, when he has passed the twenty-fifth year of his age, from using the benefit of restitutio in integrum, with the time inviolate.

CTh.2.16.2.3 [=brev.2.16.2.3]

Quod si maioris fuerit minor iura nactus, quantum ad eas pertinet actiones, quas ex persona maioris fuerit consecutus, tantum temporis ad exponendas integri restitutiones decidendasque causas accipere debebit, quantum defuncto, cuius heres aut bonorum possessor docebitur exstitisse, reliquum fuerat.

But if a minor shall have obtained the rights of a greater (adult), so far as it pertains to those actions which he shall have acquired from the person of the greater, he ought to receive as much time
for presenting integral restitutions and for deciding causes as had remained to the deceased, of whom he will be shown to have been the heir or possessor
of goods.

CTh.2.16.2.4 [=brev.2.16.2.4]

Quum vero maior successionem fuerit adeptus minoris, siquidem civili iure ab intestato vel ex testamento successerit, mox quum creta fuerit vel adita hereditas, si vero honorario iure, ex quo bonorum possessio fuerit accepta, examinando integri restitutionis negotio solida, sine ulla deminutione, tempora supputentur, quae non pro locis, regionibus atque provinciis, in quibus morantur, qui heredes aut bonorum possessores sunt, observari iubemus, sed in quibus defuncti domicilia collocaverant. dat. viii.

When indeed an adult shall have obtained the succession of a minor, if indeed under civil law he shall have succeeded ab intestato or from a testament, then, as soon as the inheritance shall have been declared by cretio or entered upon, if however under honorary (praetorian) law, from the time from which the possession of the goods (bonorum possessio) shall have been accepted, in examining the business of restitution in integrum the periods are to be computed entire,
without any diminution, which we order to be observed not according to the places, regions, and provinces in which those who are heirs or possessors of goods reside, but in which the deceased had established domiciles. given on the 8.

kal. aug. naisso.

the kalends of august, at naissus.

pp. romae non. oct., constantino a. viii. et constantino caes.

posted at Rome on the Nones of October, in the consulship of Constantine Augustus 8 and Constantine Caesar.

coss.

consuls.

interpretatio. iustum videtur, ut post xxv. annum, ubi xxvi.

interpretation. it seems just, that after the 25th year, when the 26th.

annus fuerit ingressus, deposita apud iudicem contestatione petat, qui sibi voluerit ea, quae in annis minoribus aut per se aut per tutores vel curatores vitio male acta sunt, salva et integra pro aetatis infirmitate restitui. in his dumtaxat* provinciis, usque ad xxviii. annum, si contestatus fuerit, integra ei, salvo principali negotio, quae male amiserat, reformentur.

when the year shall have been entered, let him, after a contestation has been lodged before the judge, petition that, if he shall have wished it for himself, those things which in years of minority either by himself or by tutors or curators were badly transacted by fault be restored safe and integral on account of the infirmity of age. in these provinces only, up to the 28th year, if he shall have entered a contestation, let those things which he had badly lost be re-formed to him, the principal business being saved.

nam et qui serenitati nostrae pro venia aetatis crediderit supplicandum, hoc sibi noverit esse concessum, ut sine praeiudicio indulgentiae nostrae, quod in sequenti lege comprehensum est, usque ad constitutum superius tempus liberum habeat in rerum, quas male gesserat, proprietatem restitui. quod si forsitan minor annis in illius hereditate successerit, qui et ipse in annis minoribus ab hac luce discessit, non prohibendus est, quum ad xxvi. annum pervenerit, ut sibi, unde illi competebat, reparationem agendarum rerum interposita contestatione requirat.

for even he who shall have thought that a petition must be made to our Serenity for the pardon of age, let him know this to have been granted to him: that, without prejudice to our indulgence, which is included in the following law, he shall have, until the time fixed above, the freedom to have the proprietorship of the things which he had mismanaged restored. but if perhaps one under age shall have succeeded to the inheritance of him who likewise, while under age, departed from this light, he is not to be forbidden, when he has reached the 26. year, to seek for himself, with a contestation interposed, the reparation of the matters to be prosecuted from the quarter whence it was competent to him.

sin vero minor hereditatem illius, qui plena et integra aetate defecit, acceperit, mox in integrum fuerit restitutus, ea tempora in negotiis prosequatur, quae defuncto maiori legibus competebant. quum autem maior minori seu ex testamento seu ex quocumque* iure successerit, quum primum ad eum hereditas defuncti pervenerit, quicquid pupillo potuit pro integri restitutione competere, in illius transeat actionem: ita ut illius provinciae forum sequatur, in qua defunctus minor habitasse dignoscitur

but if indeed a minor has received the inheritance of one who died at full and entire age, once he shall have been restored in integrum, let him prosecute in the affairs those time periods which by the laws were competent to the deceased major. but when a major has succeeded to a minor, whether by testament or by whatever* right, as soon as the inheritance of the deceased has come to him, whatever could have been available to the ward for in integrum restoration shall pass into his action: so that it follows the forum of that province in which the deceased minor is recognized to have dwelt

CTh.2.16.3 [=brev.2.16.3]

Impp. honor. et theodos.

The Emperors Honorius and Theodosius.

aa. iuliano ii. proconsuli africae. et mulieribus et minoribus in his, quae vel praetermiserint vel ignoraverint, innumeris auctoritatibus constat esse consultum. dat.

The Emperors to Julianus 2, proconsul of Africa. And it is established by innumerable authorities that provision has been made for both women and minors in those matters which they may have either overlooked or not known. Given.

prid. non. mart.

the day before the Nones of March.

ravenna, constantio et constante vv. cc. coss.

ravenna, under the consulship of Constantius and Constans, most distinguished men.

interpretatio. minoribus mulieribus, sicut et viris ita in causis omnibus subvenitur. maioribus vero mulieribus, pro fragilitate sexus in multis rebus, quas per ignorantiam praetermiserint, sicut lex ipsa loquitur, iubet esse consultum; id est, ut si fideiussores pro quibuscumque* accesserint, pro ipsa fideiussione non teneantur obnoxiae.

interpretation. To women minors, just as to men, aid is given in all causes. But for women of full age, on account of the fragility of the sex in
many matters which they may have overlooked through ignorance, as the law itself speaks, it orders that provision be made; that is, that if they have acceded as sureties (fidejussors) for
whomsoever*, they are not held liable for the suretyship (fidejussion) itself.

et si in difficilioribus causis ius vel leges nescientes, mandati chartulam pro negotiis suis forte subscripserint, ut earum, cui mandaverint, negotium exsequatur, et ille in charta non solum procuratorem, sed et dominum si se scripserit, deceptis per hanc fraudem mulieribus subvenitur. reliqui autem contractus, quos firma aetate publice et solennibus scripturis gesserint, in sua firmitate perdurent

and if in more difficult cases, not knowing the ius or the laws, they should by chance have subscribed a mandate document (chartula) for their own affairs, so that he to whom they have given a mandate may carry out their business, and if that person in the paper shall have written himself not only as procurator but also as dominus, aid is given to the women deceived by this fraud. the remaining contracts, which at a firm age they have conducted publicly and with solemn writings, shall remain in their own firmness

CTh.2.17.0. De his, qui veniam aetatis impetrarunt.

CTh.2.17.0. On those who have impetrated a grant of age.

CTh.2.17.1pr. [=brev.2.17.1pr.]

Imp. constantinus a. ad verinum. omnes adolescentes, qui honestate morum praediti paternam frugem vel maiorum patrimonia urbana vel rustica conversatione rectius gubernare cupiunt, et imperiali auxilio indigere coeperint, ita demum aetatis veniam impetrare audeant, quum vicesimi anni clausa aetas adolescentiae patefacere sibi ianuam coeperit ad firmissimae iuventutis ingressum: ita ut, post impetratam aetatis veniam, iidem ipsi principale beneficium allegantes, non solum praescriptorum annorum numerum probent, sed etiam testibus advocatis, honesta aut simili aut potiore dignitate praeditis, morum suorum instituta probitatemque animi testimonio vitae honestioris edoceant.

Emperor Constantine Augustus to Verinus. All adolescents who, endowed with the honesty of morals, desire to govern more rightly, by urban or rural management, the paternal revenue or the patrimonies of their elders, and have begun to need imperial aid, only then should dare to obtain the grant of age, when the closed age of adolescence at the twentieth year has begun to open for itself the door to an entry into most steadfast youth: with the result that, after the grant of age has been obtained, these same men, alleging the principal beneficium, not only prove the number of the prescribed years, but also, summons having been issued for witnesses endowed with honorable, similar, or superior dignity, they should make known the institutes of their morals and the probity of their mind by the testimony of a more honorable life.

quod quum ea condicione* effecerint, in alienatione praediorum ius tantum aetatis obtinebunt, quantum per annorum dimensiones ac temporum leges et natura singulis quibusque deferre consuevit.

and when they have effected it under that condition*, in the alienation of estates they will obtain only so much right of age as nature, through the dimensions of years and the laws of times, is accustomed to bestow upon each and every person.

CTh.2.17.1.1 [=brev.2.17.1.1]

Feminas quoque, quarum aetas biennio viros non sera pubertate praecedit, servato etiam in hoc temporis intervallo, decem et octo annos egressas ius aetatis legitimae mereri posse sancimus: sed eas, quas morum honestas mentisque solertia, quas certa fama commendat. has vero propter pudorem ac verecundiam in coetu publico demonstrari testibus non cogimus, sed percepta aetatis venia annos tantum probare tabulis vel testibus misso procuratore concedimus: ut etiam ipsae in omnibus contractibus tale ius habeant, quale viros habere praescripsimus.

We also sanction that women, whose age, with puberty not being late, precedes men by a biennium, with this interval of time also maintained, after having passed eighteen years to be able to merit the right of legitimate age: but those whom the honesty of morals and the cleverness of mind, whom a sure fame commends. These indeed on account of pudor and modesty we do not compel to be shown with witnesses in a public coetus, but, the grant of age having been received, we permit them only their years to prove by records or witnesses, a procurator having been sent: so that they themselves also in all contracts may have such a right as we have prescribed men to have have.

CTh.2.17.1.2 [=brev.2.17.1.2]

Ita ut senatores apud gravitatis tuae officium de suis moribus et honestate perdoceant, perfectissimi apud vicariam praefecturam, equites romani et ceteri apud praefectum vigilum, navicularii apud praefectum annonae.

So that the senators may fully instruct, at the office of your Gravitas, concerning their own morals and honesty; the Perfectissimi at the vicariate prefecture; the Roman Equites
and the others before the Prefect of the Vigils, the shipowners before the Prefect of the Annona.

CTh.2.17.1.3 [=brev.2.17.1.3]

Cui aetati, quoniam inter plenam perfectamque adolescentiam et robustissimam iuventutem media est, firmatae aetatis appellationem imponimus, ut prima aetas pueritiae sit, sequens adolescentiae, firmata haec tertia, quarta legitima, quinta senectus habeatur.

To which age, since it is between full and perfected adolescence and the most robust youth, we impose the appellation of firm age, so that the first age be childhood, the next adolescence, this third firm, the fourth legitimate, the fifth be held old age.

CTh.2.17.1.4 [=brev.2.17.1.4]

In ipsis etiam contractibus hac appellatione consignanda, ut non nudum nomen venditoris inseratur tabulis emptionum*, sed ab illo, qui firmatae aetatis sit et honestus vir habeatur, emisse illum significetur, et venditorem esse firmatae aetatis: ita tamen, ut, quia spes adempta* perfidiae est, et in vendendis praediis diligentiores esse persistant, qui beneficium meruerunt principale, nec praedia sine decreto alienent. dat. v. id. april.

In the contracts themselves also they are to be endorsed with this appellation, so that not the bare name of the seller be inserted in the tablets/deeds of purchase*, but that it be indicated that he has bought from that man who is of settled age and is held to be an honest man, and that the seller is of settled age: yet in such a way that, since the hope of perfidy has been taken away*, those who have deserved the imperial beneficium persist in being more diligent in selling estates, and do not alienate estates without a decree. Given on the 5th day before the Ides of April.

thessal. pp. iii. kal.

thessalonica. posted on the 3rd day before the kalends.

iun. romae, crispo ii. et constantio ii. caess. coss.

jun. at rome, crispus 2. and constantius 2. caesars. consuls.

interpretatio. adolescentes, qui honestis moribus esse probantur et ad gubernandas facultates suas idoneam cupiunt habere personam, oportet eos primum, antequam ad legitimam aetatem perveniant, id est, ubi vir viginti annorum esse coeperit, auxilium principis implorare, et accepto huius rei beneficio, eo ordine apud testificationem publicam allegare, ut probent, se viginti annorum implesse curricula et honesta conversatione transigere, et sic praedia sua in aliena iura cum decreti tamen interpositione, transferre liberam habeant potestatem. feminae vero, sicut biennio in pubertate minores sunt, ita et transacto biennio, ubi ad xviii.

interpretation. adolescents, who are proven to be of honest morals and wish to have a suitable person for governing their faculties,
it is proper that they first, before they arrive at lawful age, that is, when a man has begun to be 20 years old, implore the aid of the prince,
and, having received the benefit of this matter, to allege in that order before public testification, that they prove that they have completed the courses of 20 years
and pass their life in honorable conduct, and thus that they may have free power to transfer their estates into another’s rights, yet with the interposition of a decree.
women, moreover, just as for a biennium in puberty they are minors, so also, after the biennium has elapsed, when to 18.

annum pervenerint, eas tamen, quas morum et honestatis commendat opinio, non in publico annos probare suos cogendae sunt, sed misso procuratore per scripturam annos eos, quos superius diximus, se habere demonstrent et similem, quam viri in contractibus habeant facultatem: ita ut qualis vel quam digna persona sit, apud talem iudicem haec, quae dicta sunt, debeat approbare. ergo quum fuerint post adolescentiam hac aetate firmati, in ipsis quoque scripturis vel venditionum instrumentis, honestos se et firmatos aetate conscribant. hoc tamen illis liceat, qui beneficium, ut diximus, principis pro confirmanda aetate meruerint, ne praedia sua sine iussu iudicis vel decreto, quod ex praecepto iudicum vel consensu curialium datur, alienare praesumant

when they shall have come to that year, yet those whom the opinion of morals and honesty commends are not to be compelled to prove their years in public, but, a procurator having been sent, through a script let them demonstrate that they have the years which we said above, and a similar faculty in contracts as men have: in such a way that what sort of or how worthy a persona she is, before such a judge she ought to approve these things which have been said. therefore, when after adolescence they have been made firm in this age, let them also in the scripts themselves or in the instruments of sales set down that they are honorable and confirmed in age. this, however, let it be permitted to those who, as we said, have merited the beneficium of the prince for confirming age, lest they presume to alienate their praedial estates without the order of a judge or a decree, which is given by the precept of the judges or by the consent of the curials

CTh.2.18.0. De iudiciis

CTh.2.18.0. On trials

CTh.2.18.1 [=brev.2.18.1]

Imp. constantinus a. ad maximum. iudicantem oportet cuncta rimari et ordinem rerum plena inquisitione discutere, interrogandi ac proponendi adiiciendique patientia praebita ab eo: ut, ubi actio partium limitata sit, contentiones non occursu iudicis, sed satietate altercantium metas compresserint, saepius requiratur, et crebra interrogatione iudicis frequentetur, num quid novi resideat, quod annecti allegationibus in iudiciaria contentione conveniat?

Emperor Constantine Augustus to Maximus. The one judging ought to scrutinize all things and to examine the order of matters with full inquisition, with patience for interrogating and
for proposing and for adding being afforded by him: so that, when the action of the parties has been delimited, the contentions may have compressed their bounds not by the intervention of the judge but by the satiety
of the disputants; let inquiry be made more often, and let the proceeding be pursued with frequent interrogation by the judge, whether anything new remains, which it may be fitting to annex
to the allegations in the judicial contention?

quum ad alterutrum hoc proficiat, sive definienda sit causa per iudicem, sive ad nostram scientiam referenda. nec ad nos mittatur aliquid, quod plena instructione indigeat. dat.

since this conduces to either alternative, whether the case is to be defined by a judge, or to be referred to our cognizance. Nor let anything be sent to us that stands in need of full instruction. Given.

prid. id. ian. sirmio, crispo ii. et constantino ii. caess.

the day before the Ides of January, at Sirmium, in the consulship of Crispus (2nd) and
Constantine (2nd), Caesars.

coss.

consuls.

interpretatio. iudex quum causam audire coeperit, litigatorum assertiones vel responsiones patienter accipiat et omnia plena discussione perquirat. nec prius litigantibus sua sententia velit obviare, nisi quando ipsi peractis omnibus, iam nihil amplius in contentione habuerint, quod proponant: et tam diu actio ventiletur, quousque rei veritas invenitur.

interpretation. when the judge has begun to hear the case, let him patiently receive the assertions or responses of the litigants and perquire all things with full discussion.
nor should he wish to confront the litigants with his own sentence before then, unless when they themselves, all things having been completed, have now nothing further in contention which they might propose:
and let the action be ventilated for so long, until the truth of the matter is found.

frequenter interrogari oportet, ne aliquid praetermissum fortasse remaneat: quia si apud ipsum finienda causa est, totum debet agnoscere. sin vero ita res exigit, ut ad principis notitiam deferatur, plena discussis omnibus data relatione debet esse suggestio etc

it is fitting that they be frequently interrogated, lest perhaps something pretermitted remain: since if the cause is to be finished before himself, he ought to acknowledge the whole. but if indeed the matter so requires that it be brought to the prince’s notice,
the suggestion ought to be full, with a relation given after everything has been discussed, etc

CTh.2.18.2

Idem a. ad maximum praefectum urbi. eum, qui sciens iudicio adesse neglexerit, ut contumacem iudex poena multabit. dat.

The same Augustus, to Maximus, Prefect of the City. The judge will punish with a penalty as contumacious the one who, though knowing, has neglected to be present at the trial. Given.

x k. iun. sirmio probiano et iuliano conss. (322 mai.

on the 10th day before the Kalends of June, at Sirmium, in the consulship of Probianus and Julianus (May 322)

23).

CTh.2.18.3 [=brev.2.18.2]

Idem a. ad severum pf. u. nulli prorsus audientia praebeatur, qui causae continentiam dividit et ex beneficii praerogativa id, quod in uno eodemque iudicio poterat terminari, apud diversos iudices voluerit ventilare: poena proposita, si quis contra hanc supplicaverit sanctionem atque alium super possessione, alium super principali quaestione iudicem postulaverit, ut, rei, quae petatur, integra aestimatione subducta, quintam portionem reipublicae eius civitatis inferat, in cuius finibus res, de qua agitur, constituta est. pp. iii. kal.

The same Augustus to Severus, Urban Prefect. Let a hearing be afforded to absolutely no one who splits the continuity of the case and, by the prerogative of a privilege, wishes to ventilate before different judges that which could have been concluded in one and the same trial: with the penalty set forth, if anyone shall have petitioned against this sanction and shall have demanded one judge on possession, another on the principal question, namely that, the complete valuation of the thing sought having been computed, he shall pay a fifth portion into the commonwealth of that city within whose boundaries the thing at issue is situated. posted on the 3rd day before the Kalends.

aug. iuliano et paulino coss.

Aug., under Julian and Paulinus as consuls.

interpretatio. nullus penitus audiatur, qui unius causae propositionem apud duos iudices partiri voluerit, ut apud unum de negotio principali proponat, et ab alio sibi momenti beneficio rem postulet consignari. quod si quis hoc facere fortasse praesumpserit*, eiusmodi poena se noverit condemnandum, ut nec illud, quod repetit, ulla ratione recipiat, et quintam portionem facultatum suarum, de quantum ibi possederit, reipublicae civitatis illius cedat, in cuius finibus res, de qua agitur, fuerit constituta

interpretation. let no one at all be heard who has wished to partition the proposition of a single cause before two judges, so that before one he may propose about the principal business, and from another he may demand that the matter be consigned to himself by the benefit of a delay. but if anyone should perhaps have presumed* to do this, let him know himself to be condemned to such a penalty, namely that he shall not by any means receive that which he seeks to reclaim, and that he shall cede a fifth portion of his resources, from as much as he shall have possessed there, to the republic of that city, within whose boundaries the thing about which the case is conducted has been situated

CTh.2.19.0. De inofficioso testamento.

CTh.2.19.0. On the undutiful testament.

CTh.2.19.1 [=brev.2.19.1]

Imp. constantinus a. ad lucrium verinum. fratres uterini ab inofficiosis actionibus arceantur, et germanis tantummodo fratribus adversus eos dumtaxat* institutos heredes, quibus inustas constiterit esse notas detestabilis turpitudinis, agnatione durante, sine auxilio praetoris, petitionis aditus reseretur.

Emperor Constantine Augustus to Lucrius Verinus. Uterine brothers shall be barred from actions for an inofficious will; and for full brothers only, against those only* who have been instituted as heirs, upon whom it shall have been established that the marks of detestable turpitude have been branded, while agnation continues, without the aid of the praetor, the approach of a petition shall be opened.

dat. id. april. sirmio, constantino a. v. et licinio caes.

Given on the Ides of April at Sirmium, in the consulship of Constantine Augustus for the 5th time and Licinius Caesar.

coss.

consuls.

interpretatio. fratribus uterinis, id est diversis patribus et una matre natis, non liceat de inofficioso contra testamentum fratris agere. sed germanis fratribus praetermissis, id est uno patre natis, si turpibus personis, id est infamibus fuerit hereditas derelicta, hoc est aut pro libidine meretricibus, aut pro inhonesto affectu naturalibus aut certe thymelicis, vel de libertis suis, agendi contra testamentum licentia reservatur: si tamen is ipse germanus non pro crimine suo exilio fuerit deputatus, aut per captivitatem fuerit servus effectus, aut per emancipationem successionis vel actionis iura perdiderit

interpretation. For uterine brothers, that is, born of different fathers and one mother, it is not permitted to bring an action for an inofficious will against a brother’s testament. but for german brothers who have been passed over, that is, born of one father, if the inheritance has been left to base persons, that is, to infamous persons—namely, either to prostitutes out of lust, or to natural children out of dishonorable affection, or certainly to thymelics (stage-performers), or to his own freedmen—the license of proceeding against the testament is reserved: provided, however, that that same german brother has not been assigned to exile for his own crime, or has been made a slave through captivity, or has through emancipation lost the rights of succession or of action

CTh.2.19.2 [=brev.2.19.2]

Idem a. ad claudium praesidem daciae. licet legum auctoritas filiorum potius quam matrum personis voluit laborem incumbere, ut de inofficioso agentes intra praefinita tempora doceant, nullo suo vitio factum, nec offensionem se parentibus praestitisse, sed iugiter obsecutos, ut naturae ipsius religio flagitabat, disciplinam illaesam inoffensamque servasse, ut his probatis removeant parentum voluntatem: tamen si mater contra filii testamentum inofficiosi actionem instituat, inquiri diligenter iubemus, utrum filius nulla ex iusta causa laesus matrem novissima laeserit voluntate, nec luctuosam ei nec legitimam reliquerit portionem, ut testamento remoto matri successio deferatur, si tamen defuncto consanguinei agnati non sunt superstites: an mater inhonestis factis atque indecentibus votis filium forte obsedit, insidiisque eum vel clandestinis vel manifestis appetiit, vel inimicis eius suas amicitias copulavit, atque in aliis sic versata est, ut inimica potius quam mater crederetur: hoc probato, invita etiam acquiescat filii voluntati. dat.

The same Augustus to Claudius, governor of Dacia. Although the authority of the laws has wished the labor to fall upon the persons of sons rather than of mothers, so that those prosecuting for inofficiousness within the pre-fixed times may show that it was done through no fault of their own, and that they did not render offense to their parents, but continuously obeyed, as the reverence of nature itself demanded, that they kept discipline unharmed and without offense, so that, these things having been proved, they may remove the will of the parents: nevertheless, if a mother should institute an action of inofficiousness against her son’s testament, we order a diligent inquiry to be made, whether the son, harmed by no just cause, injured his mother by his last will, and left to her neither the mourning portion nor the legitimate portion, so that, the testament being set aside, succession be conferred upon the mother, provided, however, that there are no surviving agnate kinsmen of the deceased: or whether the mother, by dishonorable deeds and indecent vows, perhaps beset her son, and assailed him with plots either clandestine or manifest, or joined her friendships to his enemies, and in other matters so conducted herself that she was believed an enemy rather than a mother: this being proved, let her, even unwilling, acquiesce in the will of the son. Given.

viii. id. febr. serdica, crispo caes.

february 6, serdica, crispus caesar.

ii. et constantino caes. ii. coss.

2.
and with constantine caesar, consuls for the 2nd time.

interpretatio. quamvis leges filiis, si praetermissi testamento fuerint, maiorem quam matribus agendi dederint potestatem, ut de inofficioso matris testamento proponant, id est, si quarta debitae portionis suae filio dimissa non fuerit: ita tamen, si probare potuerint, quod matris in nullo laeserint pietatem, sed se obsequium, ut decuit, praestitisse: sic testamentum matris, in quo praetermissi fuerint, non valebit. nam si mater contra testamentum filii, quod inofficiosum dixerit, agat, debet diligenter requiri, si contra filium mater nihil egisse probatur, aut si nullis insidiis vel publice vel secrete eum laedere fortasse tentaverit: nec forsitan consilium adversus filium inimicis suis, quod impium est, auxiliumque praestiterit.

interpretation. although the laws have given to sons, if they shall have been passed over in a testament, greater power for bringing an action than to mothers, to propose concerning the undutiful testament of the mother, that is, if a fourth of his due portion has not been left to the son: yet thus, if they shall have been able to prove, that they have in no way injured piety toward their mother, but have furnished obedience, as was fitting: thus the mother’s testament, in which they shall have been passed over, will not be valid. for if the mother proceeds against the testament of her son, which she shall have said is undutiful, it ought to be diligently inquired, if it is proved that the mother has done nothing against her son, or if by no plots either publicly or secretly she has perhaps attempted to injure him: nor perhaps has she afforded counsel to his enemies against her son—which is impious—and given aid.

quod si factum non fuerit, potest removere praetermissa mater, quia ei quartam de rebus suis portionem filius non dimisit, quod filius fecerat testamentum: si tamen filio fratres consanguinei agnati, id est uno patre nati, aut eorum filii per virilem sexum non esse probantur. nam si mater, ut superius dictum est, pro manifestis inimicitiis suis praetermissa docebitur, invita acquiescat laesi filii voluntati

but if this shall not have been done, the mother who was passed over can have it removed, because the son did not leave to her the fourth portion from his own goods, since the son had made a testament: if, however, for the son there are not proven consanguine agnate brothers, that is, born from one father, or their sons through the male line. for if the mother, as was said above, shall be shown to have been passed over on account of her manifest enmities, let her, though unwilling, acquiesce to the will of the injured son

CTh.2.19.3 [=brev.2.19.3]

Codex Theodosianus 2.19.3 [= Breviarium 2.19.3]

Idem a. ad concilium byzacenorum. servus necessarius heres instituendus est, quia non magis patrimonium quam infamiam consequi videtur. unde claret, actionem inofficiosi fratribus relaxatam, quum infamiae aspergitur vitiis is, qui heres exstitit, omniaque fratribus tradi, quae per turpitudinem aut aliquam levem notam capere non potest institutus.

The same Augustus to the council of the Byzaceni. A slave is to be instituted as a necessary heir, because he seems to obtain not so much a patrimony as infamy. Whence it is clear that the action of inofficiousness is released to the brothers, when he who has become heir is bespattered with the blemishes of infamy, and that all things are to be handed over to the brothers which the instituted person cannot take by reason of turpitude or any slight stigma.

ita in hac quoque parte, si quando libertis heredibus institutis fratres fuerint alieni, inofficiosi actione proposita praevaleant in omnibus occupandis facultatibus defuncti, quas ille perperam ad libertos voluerat pertinere. dat. vii.

Thus in this matter likewise, if ever, with freedmen appointed as heirs, the brothers shall have been made alien, when the action of inofficiousness is brought, let them prevail in taking possession of all the assets of the deceased, which he had wrongly wished to pertain to the freedmen. Given on the 7th.

kal. aug. coloniae agrippinae, pacatiano et hilariano coss.

on the kalends of august, at colonia agrippina, pacatianus and hilarianus, consuls.

interpretatio. si servo pro necessitate debiti a domino cum libertate hereditas fuerit dimissa, quia huiusmodi persona videtur infamis, germanis fratribus, qui praetermissi sunt, agendi contra testamentum datur facultas: ut remota infami persona, salva tamen, quam meruit, libertate, hereditatem germani fratres ad se debeant revocare. nam et si praetermissis fratribus liberti per testamentum heredes fuerint instituti, simili modo germani defuncti eos a bonis fraternae hereditatis excludent, sibique omnia, quae reliquerit, vindicabunt

interpretation. if to a slave, for the necessity of a debt, by the master an inheritance shall have been bequeathed together with liberty, because a person of this kind is seen as infamous, to the full brothers, who have been passed over, the faculty is given of proceeding against the testament: so that, the infamous person being removed, his liberty nevertheless, which he has merited, preserved, the full brothers ought to recall the inheritance to themselves. for even if, the brothers having been passed over, freedmen have been instituted heirs by testament, in a similar manner the full brothers of the deceased will exclude them from the goods of the fraternal inheritance, and will vindicate to themselves all that he has left

CTh.2.19.4 [=brev.2.19.4]

Imp. constantius a. et iulianus caesar olybrio. quum scribit moriens, ut arbitratu boni viri, si quid minus filiis sit relictum, quam modus quartae, quae per successionem bonis tantum liberis debetur, efflagitat, id ipsum ab herede eisdem in pecunia compleatur, manifestum est, nullam iam prorsus nec super testamento, nec super donationibus querelam remanere, praesertim quum universam eadem repellat et reprimat, quae ad pecuniam redigit, iusta taxatio.

Emperor constantius a. and iulianus caesar to olybrio. when, as he is dying, he writes that, at the arbitration of a good man, if anything has been left to the children less than the measure of the quarter, which by succession is owed to good children only, he demands, that this very thing be made up to them in money by the heir, it is manifest that no complaint at all any longer remains either about the testament or about the donations, especially since the just assessment, which reduces to money, repels and represses the whole.

dat. xiv. kal.

given, the 14th day before the Kalends.

iun. tauro et florentio coss.

june, taurus and florentius, consuls.

interpretatio. quoties pater filiis per testamentum de facultatibus a se dimissis quartam dari praeceperit portionem, et hoc in nummo fieri bonorum virorum arbitrio crediderit committendum, seu hoc testamento sive donatione conscripserit, nullam contra voluntatem patris filius habeat actionem, dummodo quartam portionis suae, quam erat habiturus de omnibus, quae tempore mortis suae pater reliquerit, consequatur in nummo

interpretation. whenever a father, by testament, has ordered that a fourth portion be given to his sons from the means left by him, and has believed that this should be entrusted to the arbitrament of honorable men to be done in cash, whether he has written this in a will or in a deed of gift, let the son have no action against the father’s will, provided that he obtains in cash the fourth of his share which he was going to have from all the things which at the time of his death the father shall have left.

CTh.2.19.5 [=brev.2.19.5]

Theodosian Code 2.19.5 [= Breviary 2.19.5]

Imppp. grat., valentin. et theodos.

the emperors gratian, valentinian, and theodosius.

aaa. hypatio pf. p. intra quinquennium, quod inofficiosis actionibus constitutum est, liberis quoque, parentum iudicia inofficiosa causantibus, eadem temporis curricula praestituta sunt. dat.

the emperors. to Hypatius, Praetorian Prefect. within the five-year period which has been established for inofficious actions, the same periods of time have been prescribed also for children who allege their parents’ judgments to be inofficious. given.

v. kal. iun. patavio, merobaude ii. et saturnino coss.

on the 5th day before the Kalends of June at Patavium, Merobaudes for the 2nd time and Saturninus
consuls.

interpretatio. intra quinque annos a die mortis defuncti, quicumque* inofficiosum dicere voluerit testamentum, inchoandae actionis licentiam se noverit habiturum. quod temporis spatium etiam filii sibi, si contra parentum testamenta ac voluntatem agere voluerint, agnoscant esse concessum.

interpretation. within five years from the day of the deceased’s death, whoever* shall have wished to declare the testament inofficious, let him know that he will have the license for initiating an action to begin. which span of time let sons also acknowledge to have been granted to themselves, if they shall have wished to act against their parents’ testaments and will, as conceded.

quo transacto, si repetitio inchoata non fuerit, omnium personarum de inofficioso intentio conquiescat. ceterum intra quinquennium inchoata, usque ad tricennium obtineat actionem

When that has elapsed, if recovery has not been initiated, let the claim of all persons concerning inofficiousness come to rest. Moreover, if initiated within the five-year period, let it maintain the action up to thirty years

CTh.2.19.6 [=brev.2.19.6]

Impp. honor. et theodos.

The Emperors Honorius and Theodosius.

aa. ioanni pf. p. adversus iudicium omnibus integris atque servatis, quibus inofficiosi actio aut de immodicis donationibus coeperit forte competere, vel qui se praeteritum esse testatur. nos enim ita huiusmodi institutiones firmandas esse concessimus, ut competentibus actionibus viam minime clauderemus. dat.

the emperors to John, praetorian prefect. against the judgment, with all things unimpaired and preserved for those to whom the action of inofficiousness or concerning immoderate donations might perhaps begin to be competent, or for one who testifies that he has been passed over. for we have granted that institutions of this kind be confirmed in such a way that we would by no means close the way to the competent actions. given.

xvi. kal. mart.

February 14.

ravenna, post consulatum honorii ix. et theodosii v. aa.

ravenna, after the consulship of honorius 9 and of theodosius 5, the emperors.

interpretatio. contra voluntatem defuncti ita omnia, quae superiore lege sunt statuta, serventur, ut et de inofficioso agere liceat, et, si quis se praeteritum dixerit, audiatur. sed ita haec omnia observari praecipimus, ut, si qua alia propositio fuerit de testamento vel donatione, quae possit opponi, in omnibus audiatur

interpretation. Against the will of the deceased let all the things which have been established by the prior law be so observed, that it be permitted also to proceed concerning the inofficious (will), and, if anyone shall say that he has been passed over, let him be heard. But we command all these things to be observed in such a way that, if there shall be any other proposition concerning a testament or a donation which can be opposed, in all respects it shall be heard

CTh.2.19.7 [=brev.2.19.7]

Imp. theodos. a. asclepiodoto pf. p. si quis defuncti agnoverit voluntatem, de inofficioso agere prohibetur.

emp. theodosius aug. to asclepiodotus, pr. pref.: if anyone has acknowledged the will of the deceased, he is prohibited from bringing the de inofficioso action.

dat. vii. kal.

given on the 7th day before the Kalends.

mart. constantinopoli, victore v.C. cos.

march, at constantinople, with victor, a most distinguished man, consul.

interpretatio. qui per testamentum sibi aliquid derelictum acceperit aut vindicaverit et voluerit contra voluntatem defuncti agere, licentiam penitus non habebit

interpretation. whoever shall have received or claimed something left to him by testament and shall wish to act against the intention of the deceased, he shall have no license whatsoever

CTh.2.20.0. De inofficiosis donationibus.

CTh.2.20.0. On inofficious donations.

CTh.2.20.1 [=brev.2.20.1]

Imp. constantius a. et iulianus caesar olybrio. illud omnino dubitare non convenit, quod immodicarum donationum omnis querela ad similitudinem inofficiosi testamenti legibus fuerit inducta, et sit in hoc actionis utriusque vel una causa vel similis aestimanda, vel idem et temporibus et moribus.

emperors constantius augustus and julian caesar to olybrius. it is by no means fitting to doubt this, that every complaint of immoderate donations has been introduced by the laws after the similitude of the inofficious testament, and that in this the cause of each action should be assessed as either one and the same or similar, and likewise the same both as to times and as to customs.

dat. xiv. kal.

Given on the 14th day before the Kalends.

iun. tauro et florentio coss.

June. Taurus and Florentius, consuls.

interpretatio. certum est, quod donatio facta de inofficioso testamento querelae similis iudicatur, contra quam similiter praetermissus, etsi ei minus, cui haec actio competit, quam quartae portionis suae modus est, dimittatur, intra quinquennium superius constitutum agere permittitur. et sicut de inofficioso testamento, ita potest agere, ut donatio evacuetur

interpretation. It is certain that a donation made is judged similar to the complaint of an inofficious testament, against which likewise a person passed over,
even if there is left to him—he to whom this action pertains—less than the measure of his own fourth portion, is permitted to bring an action within the five-year period established above
And just as concerning an inofficious testament, so he can bring an action that the donation be made void

CTh.2.21.0. De inofficiosis dotibus.

CTh.2.21.0. On undutiful dowries.

CTh.2.21.1 [=brev.2.21.1]

Imp. constantius a. ad maximum praesidem ciliciae. quum omnis hereditas dote dicatur exhausta, concordare legibus promptum est, ut ad exemplum inofficiosi testamenti adversus dotem immodicam exercendae actionis copia tribuatur, et filiis conquerentibus emolumenta debita deferantur.

The Emperor Constantius Augustus to Maximus, praeses of Cilicia. When the whole inheritance is said to have been exhausted by the dowry, it readily accords with the laws that, after the example of the inofficious testament, opportunity for bringing an action be granted against an immoderate dowry, and that to sons who complain the emoluments owed be delivered.

dat. xiv. kal.

dated on the 14th day before the Kalends.

ian. sirmio, datiano et cereale coss.

jan. at sirmium, datianus and cerealis, consuls.

interpretatio. quoties per dotem ita omnis hereditas evacuata probatur, ut quarta hereditatis ipsius non fuerit reservata, liceat filiis ad similitudinem inofficiosi testamenti contra dotem agere et debitam sibi portionem ex lege repetere

interpretation. whenever through a dowry the whole inheritance is proved to have been so evacuated that a fourth of the inheritance itself has not been reserved, let it be lawful for the children to in the likeness of an inofficious testament proceed against the dowry and to reclaim the portion due to them by law

CTh.2.21.2 [=brev.2.21.2]

Idem a. et iulianus caesar pomponiano. dote ab uxore marito data, filios ex priore matrimonio, si neque ultra dodrantem, neque in fraudem legis papiae constituatur, de hac repetenda nullam habere constat actionem. dat.

the same augustus and julian caesar to pomponianus. when a dowry has been given by the wife to the husband, the sons from a prior marriage, if it be neither set beyond a dodrans (three-quarters), nor arranged in fraud of the papian law, are understood to have no action for recovering this. given.

xvi. kal. ian.

16th day before the Kalends of January.

sirmio, ipso augusto x. et iuliano caes. iii. coss.

At Sirmium, when Augustus himself was consul for the 10th time and Julian Caesar for the 3rd, consuls.

interpretatio. si mulier marito secundo dotem dederit, et ex priore marito filios habuerit, et non eis tres uncias, id est quartam portionem de rebus suis reservaverit, dos, quae contra legem papiam secundo marito data est, non valebit. hic de iure addendum, quid sit lex papia

interpretation. if a woman has given a dowry to a second husband, and has had children from her prior husband, and has not reserved for them three unciae, that is a fourth portion
from her own property, the dowry which has been given to the second husband contrary to the lex papia will not be valid. here in law it should be added what the lex papia is

CTh.2.22.0. De hereditatis petitione.

CTh.2.22.0. On the petition of inheritance.

CTh.2.22.1 [=brev.2.22.1]

Imp. constantinus a. et caesar ad maximum pf. u. si is, qui dignitate romanae civitatis amissa latinus fuerit effectus, in eodem statu munere lucis excesserit, omne peculium eius a patrono vel a patroni filiis sive nepotibus, qui nequaquam ius agnationis amiserint, vindicetur. nec ad disceptationem veluti hereditariae controversiae filiis liceat accedere, quum eius potissimum status ratio tractanda sit, non quem beneficio libertatis indultae sortitus acceperit, sed is, in quo munere lucis excesserit.

Emperor Constantine, Augustus, and the Caesar, to Maximus, Prefect of the City. If one who, the dignity of Roman citizenship having been lost, has been made a Latin, has departed the light in the same status, let all his peculium be claimed by the patron or by the patron’s sons or grandsons, who by no means shall have lost the right of agnation. Nor let it be permitted for the sons to approach a dispute as though of an hereditary controversy, since the consideration is chiefly to be handled of his status, not that which he obtained by the benefit of granted liberty, but that in which he departed the light.

dat. iii. kal.

dated on the 3rd day before the Kalends.

febr. serdica, ipso augusto vii. et caes.

Feb., Serdica, in the consulship of the Augustus himself for the 7th time and of the Caesar.

coss.

consuls.

interpretatio. si quis civis romanus libertus, intercedente culpa, latinus libertus fuerit effectus, si in eadem latinitate, sine reparatione prioris status, ab hac luce discesserit, facultates illius patronus vel patroni filii vel nepotes, qui tamen per virilem lineam descendunt et emancipati non fuerint, sibimet vindicabunt. nec si filios, quos civis romanus generavit, fortasse dimiserit, aliquid de eius hereditate praesumant: quia non quaerendum est, in qua libertate nati fuerint, sed in qua pater eorum positus condicione* defecerit

interpretation. if any Roman citizen freedman, with a fault intervening, has been made a Latin freedman, if in that same Latinity, without reparation of his prior status, he should depart from this life, the patron, or the patron’s sons or grandsons—who, however, descend through the virile line and have not been emancipated—will claim his assets to themselves. nor, if he perhaps has left behind sons whom he begot as a Roman citizen, are they to presume anything of his inheritance: because it is not to be inquired in what liberty they were born, but in what condition their father, being situated, passed away

CTh.2.23.0. De rei vindicatione.

CTh.2.23.0. On the vindication of property.

CTh.2.23.1pr. [=brev.2.23.1pr.]

Theodosian Code 2.23.1, preface [= breviary 2.23.1, preface].

Impp. honor. et theodos.

The Emperors Honorius and Theodosius.

aa. crispino comiti et magistro equitum. quisquis armatae militiae stipendiis communitus in solo publico vel aedificium aliquod construxerit vel septis quibuslibet spatia certa concluserit, perpetuo iure et firmo dominio eadem ex nostra generali auctoritate possideat, nec per surreptionem aliquis postea eadem loca a nostra clementia audeat postulare.

the Augusti to Crispinus, count and master of the cavalry. Whoever, supported by the stipends of the armed military, on public soil either shall have constructed some edifice or shall have enclosed certain spaces by any fences, let him possess the same by perpetual right and firm dominion from our general authority, nor let anyone thereafter by surreption dare to petition from our clemency those same places.

CTh.2.23.1.1 [=brev.2.23.1.1]

Theodosian Code 2.23.1.1 [= Breviary 2.23.1.1]

Illud quoque sancimus, si quisquam militum simili condicione* ante hoc tempus loca publica possidenda detinuit, ac postea eadem per alias competitionum nebulas detectus fuerit amisisse, reformari eadem; ita tamen, si probatum fuerit, a nullo antea possessum solum hac, qua ostendimus, a milite ratione detentum: vel si, in alios forte eorum militum voluntate translatum fuisse, quod tenuerant, potuerit edoceri.

We also sanction this: if any of the soldiers, under a similar condition*, before this time has held public places for possession, and afterwards, having been detected through other mists of competitions, has lost the same, let the same be restored; provided, however, that it has been proved that the ground had previously been possessed by no one, being held by a soldier by this method which we have shown: or if it can be taught that, by the will of those soldiers, what they had held had been transferred to others.

CTh.2.23.1.2 [=brev.2.23.1.2]

Ne quis sane post hanc definitionem nostri numinis surripiendo postulare audeat haec spatia, de quibus praesens oraculi nostri forma comprehendit, poenam viginti librarum auri iubemus adscribi. dat. v. kal.

Let no one, indeed, after this definition of our divinity, dare to demand surreptitiously these spaces which the present form of our oracle comprehends; we order a penalty of twenty pounds of gold to be assessed.
given on the 5th day before the Kalends.

mart. ravenna, asclepiodoto et mariniano coss.

March, Ravenna, in the consulship of Asclepiodotus and Marinianus.

interpretatio. quicumque* militans in solo publico aedificium fortasse exstruxerit aut aliquid pro utilitate sua crediderit faciendum, per nullius calumniam penitus repellatur, sed hoc perpetuo in eius iure permaneat. idem miles nostris utilitatibus serviens, si locum publicum construxerit vel ad excolendum fortasse tenuerit, si hoc tamen nullus antea tenuit, cui miles ipse pervasor exstiterit, simili ratione possideat. contra quam rem etiamsi surreptum principi fuerit, non solum impetrata non valeant, verum etiam improbus petitor viginti libras auri fisco cogatur exsolvere

interpretation. whoever* serving in the military on public soil has perhaps erected a building or believed that something ought to be done for his own utility, let him be utterly repelled by no one’s calumny, but let this remain perpetually in his right. the same soldier, serving our interests, if he has constructed on public ground or perhaps has held it for cultivation, if, however, no one previously held it, against whom the soldier himself would have stood as a trespasser, let him possess it in like manner. against which matter, even if it has been surreptitiously obtained from the prince, not only let the things obtained not prevail, but also let the unscrupulous petitioner be compelled to pay twenty pounds of gold to the fisc

CTh.2.24.0. De familiae herciscundae.

CTh.2.24.0. On the partition of the family estate.

CTh.2.24.1 [=brev.2.24.1]

Imp. constantinus a. ad verinum. quum dividendae res erunt, dubitari non potest, ab heredibus suis consensum sine ulla controversia commodandum.

Emperor Constantine Augustus to Verinus. When things are to be divided, it cannot be doubted that consent, without any controversy,
must be furnished by their heirs.

quod vero ad huiusmodi spectat scripturas, in quibus talis defunctorum fuisse mens invenitur, ut de testamento intelligatur tantummodo cogitatum, etsi repugnare ius videatur, huiusmodi quoque conscriptiones inter suos dumtaxat* heredes valere oportet, quemadmodum valent scripturae simpliciter inchoatae, quas nulla solennitatis adminicula defendunt, solis nixae radicibus voluntatis. licet enim sub testamenti vocabulo coeptae, quum perfectae non sint, neque appellari aliter ullo modo possint, evanuisse videntur, tamen dispositiones ultimae, coloratam iuris imaginem referentes, iustius in se legum proclivem favorem debent provocare. quamobrem, quum filiis ac nepotibus civili iure vel auxilio praetoris ut suis heredibus defuncti successio deferatur, etiamsi coeptum, neque impletum testamentum esse memoretur, vel si ab utilitate verborum vel solennitate iuris inanis scriptura esse dicatur, considerari specialiter voluntatem placet, et obsecundari protinus, quum res dividentur, nec retineri amplius, quam quod singulorum personis detegetur adscriptum, ut et memoria defuncti non violetur parentis, et occasiones litium dirimantur.

but as regards writings of this sort, in which the mind of the deceased is found to have been such that it is understood that only a testament was contemplated, even if the law seems to resist, drafts of this kind also ought to be valid among their own heirs only*, just as writings simply begun are valid, which no supports of solemnity defend, leaning on the bare roots of will.
for although begun under the vocabulary of a testament, since they are not perfected, nor can they in any way be called otherwise, they seem to have vanished; nevertheless the last dispositions, bearing a colored image of law, ought more justly to provoke toward themselves the law’s inclined favor. wherefore, when to sons and grandsons by civil law or by the aid of the praetor the succession of the deceased is tendered as to their own heirs, even if it is mentioned that the testament was begun and not completed, or if by the ineffectiveness of the words or the solemnity of law it is said to be an empty writing, it pleases that the will be specially considered, and to be complied with at once when the goods are divided, nor to be retained any further than what is discovered as assigned to the persons of each, so that both the memory of the deceased parent is not violated, and the occasions of lawsuits are cut off.

dat. iv. kal. sept.

Dated 4th day before the Kalends of September.

crispo ii. et constantino ii. caess. coss.

crispus 2. and
constantine 2., caesars, consuls.

interpretatio. quando facultas patris inter filios vel nepotes dividitur, specialiter voluntas patris vel avi paterni debet in omnibus custodiri, cuius testamentum etiamsi non fuerit perfectum, aut si non legitimo numero testium subscribatur, nec gestis allegetur, tamen si agnoscitur defunctus, de quo supra dictum est, de facultate sua aliquid ordinasse, quicquid unumquemque de filiis ac nepotibus cuiuscumque* sexus habere voluerit, hoc sibi sine consortis repetitione defendat: nec praesumat aliquis, quod alteri consorti auctor ille dimiserit. sed hoc inter filios ac nepotes ex filiis masculis observetur, quod voluntate auctoris per quamcumque* scripturam probabitur ordinatum

interpretation. when the estate of a father is divided among sons or grandchildren, in particular the will of the father or of the paternal grandfather ought in all things to be observed; whose testament, even if it has not been perfected, or if it is not subscribed by the lawful number of witnesses, nor entered into the public records, nevertheless if it is recognized that the deceased—about whom it was said above—arranged something concerning his estate, whatever he wished each one of the sons and grandchildren of whatever* sex to have, let each defend this for himself without a co-sharer’s claim for recovery; nor let anyone presume upon what that author (testator) left to another co-sharer. but let this be observed among the sons and the grandchildren from male sons: that what shall be proved to have been ordained by the will of the author through any* writing ordained

CTh.2.24.2 [=brev.2.24.2]

Idem a. ad constantium pf. p. nulli quidem de bonis usurpandis vivorum, nec dividendi contra bonos mores concessa licentia est: sed si praecipiente matre bona eius inter se liberi diviserunt, placuit omnifariam nobis, huiusmodi divisionem durare, si modo usque ad extremum eius vivendi spatium voluntas eadem perseverasse doceatur. dat. iii.

The same Augustus to Constantius, Praetorian Prefect. Indeed, to no one has a license been conceded, against good morals, to usurp the goods of the living, nor to divide them: but if at the mother’s instruction her goods have been divided among themselves by the children, it has pleased us in every way that a division of this kind should endure, provided only that it be shown that the same will persevered up to the extreme span of her life. given on 3.

id. iun. constantinopoli, constantino et maximo coss.

on 13 june at constantinople, in the consulship of constantine and maximus.

interpretatio. licet vivorum bona, ut dividantur, iniustum sit, tamen si mater vivens facultates suas filiis praeceperit et permiserit dividendas, et usque ad exitum vitae suae in eadem voluntate perstiterit, divisio inter filios facta perduret

interpretation. although it is unjust that the goods of the living be divided, nevertheless if a mother, while living, has directed and permitted her resources to be divided among her sons, and has persisted in the same will up to the end of her life, let the division made among the sons endure

CTh.2.25.0. De communi dividundo.

CTh.2.25.0. On the division of common property.

CTh.2.25.1 [=brev.2.25.1]

Imp. constantinus a. gerulo rationali trium provinciarum. in sardinia fundis patrimonialibus vel emphyteuticariis per diversos nunc dominos distributis, oportuit sic possessionum fieri divisiones, ut integra apud possessorem unumquemque servorum agnatio permaneret.

Emperor Constantine Augustus to Gerulus, rationalis of three provinces. In Sardinia, with patrimonial or emphyteuticary estates now distributed among various
owners, it was fitting that the divisions of the possessions be made thus, that the agnation of the slaves should remain entire with each possessor,
unimpaired.

quis enim ferat, liberos a parentibus, a fratribus sorores, a viris coniuges segregari? igitur qui dissociata in ius diversum mancipia traxerunt, in unum redigere eadem cogantur: ac si cui propter redintegrationem necessitudinum servi cesserunt, vicaria per eum, qui eosdem susceperit, mancipia reddantur. et invigilandum, ne per provinciam aliqua posthac querela super divisis mancipiorum affectibus perseveret.

who indeed would endure that children be segregated from parents, sisters from brothers, wives from husbands? therefore those who have drawn slaves, dissociated into a diverse right, must be compelled to bring the same back into one: and if to anyone, on account of the re-integration of kinships, slaves have been ceded, let vicarian slaves be returned by him who has received the same. and vigilance must be exercised, lest throughout the province any complaint hereafter persist concerning the divided affections of slaves.

dat. iii. kal.

given on the 3rd day before the Kalends.

mai. proculo et paulino coss.

may. under the consuls proculus and paulinus.

interpretatio. in divisione patrimoniorum seu fiscalium domorum sive privatorum observari specialiter debet, ut, quia iniustum est, filios a parentibus vel uxores a maritis, quum ad quemcumque* possessio pervenerit, sequestrari, mancipia, quae permixta fuerint, id est uxor cum filiis et marito suo, datis vicariis, ad unum debeant pertinere, cui necesse fuerit commutare, quod sollicitudo ordinantium debet specialiter custodire, ut separatio fieri omnino non possit

interpretation. in the division of patrimonies or of fiscal houses or of private ones it ought to be especially observed, that, since it is unjust, that sons from parents or wives from husbands, when to whomever* the possession shall have come, be sequestered, the mancipia that have been intermingled—that is, a wife with her children and her own husband—after vicarii have been assigned, ought to pertain to one person, to whom it will be necessary to make an exchange, which the solicitude of those arranging ought especially to safeguard, so that separation can in no way be effected

CTh.2.26.0. De finium regundorum

CTh.2.26.0. On the regulation of boundaries

CTh.2.26.1

Imp. constantinus a. ad tertullianum virum perfectissimum comitem dioeceseos asianae. si quis super invasis sui iuris locis prior detulerit querimoniam, quae finali cohaeret cum proprietate controversiae, prius super possessione quaestio finiatur et tunc agrimensor ire praecipiatur ad loca, ut patefacta veritate huiusmodi litigium terminetur.

Emperor Constantine Augustus to Tertullianus, a most perfect man, count of the Asian diocese. If anyone shall have first lodged a complaint regarding encroached-upon places of his own right, which, being a boundary matter, is connected with a controversy over proprietorship, first let the question concerning possession be brought to an end, and then let a land surveyor be ordered to go
to the places, so that, the truth having been laid open, litigation of this kind may be terminated.

quod si altera pars locorum adepta dominium subterfugiendo moras attulerit, ne possit controversia definiri locorum ordine, electus agrimensor dirigatur ad loca, ut, si fidelis inspectio tenentis locum esse probaverit, petitor victus abscedat; at si controversia eius claruerit, qui primo iudiciis detulerit causam, ut invasor ille poena teneatur edicti, si tamen vi ea loca eundem invasisse constiterit. nam si per errorem aut incuriam domini loca ab aliis possessa sunt, ipsis solis cedere debent. dat.

But if the other party, having obtained dominion of the places, by evasion has interposed delays, so that the controversy cannot be determined by the order of the places, a chosen land-surveyor shall be sent to the places, so that, if a trustworthy inspection shall have proved that the holder has the place, the petitioner shall depart defeated; but if the controversy of him who first brought the cause to judgment shall have become clear, then that invader shall be held to the penalty of the edict, if, however, it has been established that he invaded those places by force. For if, through the error or negligence of the owner, the places have been possessed by others, they ought to yield to the owners themselves alone. Given.

viii k. mart. bessi gallicano et symmacho conss. (330 febr.

8 days before the Kalends of March, with Bessus, Gallicanus, and Symmachus as consuls (330 febr.

22).

CTh.2.26.2 [=brev.2.26.1]

Imp. constantinus a. ad bassum pf. p. si constiterit, eum, qui finalem detulerit quaestionem, priusquam aliquid sententia determinetur, rem sibi alienam usurpare voluisse, non solum id, quod male petebat, amittat, sed quo magis unusquisque contentus suo rem non expetat iuris alieni, is, qui irreptor agrorum fuerit in lite superatus, tantum agri modum, quantum diripere tentavit, amittat. lecta apud acta xii.

Emperor Constantine Augustus to Bassus, Praetorian Prefect. If it is established that he who has brought the final question, before anything is determined by sentence, wished to usurp a thing alien to himself, let him not only lose that which he was wrongly seeking, but, so that each may be more content with his own and not seek a thing of another’s right, he who has been defeated in the suit as an encroacher upon fields shall lose so much a measure of land as he attempted to plunder. Read among the acts 12.

kal. iul. gallicano et symmacho coss.

on the kalends of july, with gallicanus and symmachus as consuls.

interpretatio. si quis pervasor finium fuerit approbatus, eo quod, priusquam aliquid iudicio finiretur, id, quod alter tenuerat, invasisset, non solum illud, quod male praesumpsit*, amittat, sed ut non unusquisque rem alienam occupet, quum fuerit in causa devictus pervasor iuris alieni, tantum spatii restituat, quantum praesumpsit* invadere

interpretation. if anyone should be proven an invader of boundaries, for this reason, that, before anything was concluded by judgment, he had invaded that which another had held,
let him not only lose that which he wrongly presumed*, but, so that not everyone may seize another’s property, when the invader of another’s right has been defeated in the case,
let him restore as much space as he presumed* to invade

CTh.2.26.3

Codex Theodosianus 2.26.3

Idem a. ad universos provinciales. post alia: si finalis controversia fuerit, tum demum arbiter non negetur, cum intra quinque pedes locum, de quo agitur apud praesidem, esse constiterit; cum de maiore spatio causa, quoniam non finalis, sed proprietatis est, apud ipsum praesidem debeat terminari. et si socius quid petat a socio, ante praeses iudicet, an praestari aliquid oporteat et tunc demum illud per arbitros restituatur, quod constiterit esse solvendum.

The same Augustus to all provincials. After other matters: if there is a boundary controversy, then and only then let an arbiter not be denied, when it has been established before the governor that the place at issue is within five feet; when the case concerns a greater space—since it is not of boundaries but of property—it ought to be terminated before the governor himself. And if a partner should seek anything from a partner, first let the governor judge whether anything ought to be rendered, and then only let that be restored through arbiters which has been established to be payable.

dat. k. aug. basso et ablavio conss.

given on the Kalends of August, bassus and ablavius consuls.

(331 aug. 1).

(August 1, 331).

CTh.2.26.4

Theodosian Code 2.26.4

Imppp. valentinianus, theodosius et arcadius aaa. neoterio praefecto praetorio.

the emperors valentinian, theodosius and arcadius, augusti, to neoterius, praetorian prefect.

quinque pedum praescriptione summota finalis iurgii vel locorum libera peragatur intentio. sola sit igitur huiusmodi litibus una praescriptio, quae improbi petitoris refrenare possit invidiam, si veteribus signis limes inclusus finem congruum erudita arte praestiterit. nec vero prolixioris temporis in huiusmodi iurgiis locum habebit ulla praescriptio, cum diuturno otio alienum rus quis se asserat diligentius coluisse, quando omne huiusmodi iurgium solo praecipimus iure discingi, quo artis huius peritis omnem commisimus sub fideli arbitrio notionem.

with the five‑foot prescription removed, let the claim in a boundary quarrel or
of places be carried on free. Let there be, therefore, in suits of this kind only one prescription, which can bridle the malice of an impudent petitioner, if
the boundary, enclosed by ancient markers, shall have furnished a fitting limit by erudite art. Nor, indeed, shall any prescription of more protracted time have place
in quarrels of this kind, when someone asserts that by long idleness he has more diligently cultivated another’s field, since we order every quarrel of this kind to be disentangled
by the law of the soil alone, to whose experts we have committed the whole notion under faithful arbitration.

dat. vii k. aug. arcadio a. i et bautone conss.

Given on the 7th day before the Kalends of August, in the consulship of Arcadius Augustus, for the first time, and Bauto, consuls.

(385 iul. 26).

(385 Jul. 26).

CTh.2.26.5

Imppp. theodosius, arcadius et honorius aaa. rufino praefecto praetorio.

The emperors Theodosius, Arcadius, and Honorius, Augusti, to Rufinus, Praetorian Prefect.

cunctis molitionibus et machinis amputatis finalibus iurgiis ordinem modumque praescripsimus ac de eo tantum spatio, hoc est pedum quinque, qui veteri iure praescripti sunt, sine observatione temporis arbitros iussimus iudicare. quod si loca in controversiam veniant, sollemniter de his iudices recognoscent et seu civilis seu criminalis actio competet, tribuetur ita, ut causa cognita et redhibitioni obnoxius decernatur nec poenam convictus aufugiat. dat.

with all constructions and machines cut off, for boundary disputes we have prescribed the order and the mode; and concerning that only space, that is of five feet, which has been prescribed by ancient law, we have ordered arbiters to judge without observation of time.
but if the places come into controversy, judges will solemnly review them; and whether a civil or a criminal action be competent, it will be granted thus, that, the cause having been known, he be decreed liable also to redhibition (restoration), nor may the convicted escape the penalty. given.

prid. non. novemb.

the day before the Nones of November.

constantinopoli arcadio a. ii et rufino conss. (392 nov. 4).

at constantinople, arcadius augustus for the 2nd time and rufinus, consuls (392 nov. 4).

CTh.2.27.0. Si certum petatur de chirographis.

CTh.2.27.0. If a definite sum be sought from chirographs.

CTh.2.27.1pr. [=brev.2.27.1pr.]

Theodosian Code 2.27.1pr. [= breviary 2.27.1pr.]

Imppp. honor., theodos. et constantius aaa.

The Emperors Honorius, Theodosius, and Constantius, Augusti.

palladio pf. p. super chirographis mortuorum hanc servari volumus perpetua observatione sententiam, ut, qui inter absentes intra hoc iuge quinquennium, inter praesentes vero biennium iudiciis competentibus non publicaverit cautiones, nec convenerit debitoris heredes, actione privetur.

to Palladius, Praetorian Prefect, concerning the chirographs of the deceased, we wish this judgment to be kept with perpetual observance: that whoever, among absentees within this continuous 5-year period, but among those present within a 2-year period, shall not have published the securities in the competent courts, nor have proceeded against the debtor’s heirs, shall be deprived of the action.

CTh.2.27.1.1 [=brev.2.27.1.1]

Hic tamen si intra tempora constituta processerit, absque ullo sequestrationis obiectu prius manum defuncti probare iubeatur: hoc enim toto iure cantatum est, ut scripturam prolator affirmet; quam tamen adstrui non sola manus collatione conveniet (quid enim aliud falsarius agit, quam ut similitudinem veritatis imitetur?), sed aliis multiplicibus documentis, ut probet, magnae securitatis fuisse, quod siluit. nam si publicam iudiciorum aditionem amicitiarum forsitan impedivit affectio, privatam saltem conventionem testis audivit, libertus aut servus agnovit, admonere etiam potuit sub mortis vicinitate languentem.

Here, however, if he shall have proceeded within the times set, without any objection of sequestration, let him first be ordered to prove the hand of the deceased: for this is proclaimed through the whole law, that the proferer affirm the writing; which, however, it will not be fitting to establish by the comparison of the hand alone (for what else does a forger do than imitate the likeness of truth?), but by other manifold documents, so as to prove that his having kept silence was a matter of great security. For if perhaps the affection of friendships impeded a public approach to the courts, at least a witness heard a private agreement, a freedman or a slave recognized it, he could even have warned the one ailing in the neighborhood of death.

CTh.2.27.1.2 [=brev.2.27.1.2]

Quod si se forsitan causetur absentem, maioribus adstrui potest conventio longinqua documentis, promissaeque solutionis epistolare rescriptum. ac ne id ipsum, qui cautionem fingit, imitetur, producat in medium portitores, qui alternae partis scripta confirment, a quibus tamen verum vel sacramento dignitas vel suppliciis terror exploret: quamvis ad illuminandam hereditarii debiti fidem et causas oporteat foenoris approbari, et pecuniae baiulos hinc inde produci. his ac talibus si destituetur taciturnitas longinqua documentis, in evidenti est, veteratorum calumnias non solum repetitione privandas, verum etiam severitate cohibendas.

But if perhaps he pleads that he was absent, the long-distant agreement can be bolstered by more weighty documents, and by the epistolary rescript of the promised payment. and lest that very thing be imitated by the one who forges the security, let him produce into the midst the carriers, who may confirm the writings of the opposite party, from whom, however, let either the solemnity of an oath or the terror of punishments probe the truth: although, for the illuminating of the good faith and the causes of the hereditary debt, it is proper that the loan’s interest be approved, and that the money-bearers be produced on both sides. if, by these and such things, long silence is left destitute of documents, it is evident that the calumnies of tricksters are not only to be deprived of recovery, but also to be restrained by severity.

CTh.2.27.1.3 [=brev.2.27.1.3]

Sed si viventis ante hanc legem facta cautio proferatur, quam suam neget ille, qui petitur, sequestret pecuniam litigaturus ex falso. cavendum est enim, ne inficiandi fomitem ministremus obnoxiis. quod tamen tunc conveniet custodiri, si inter praesentes utrosque viventes necdum viginti anni, inter absentes necdum triginta doceantur emensi.

But if a bond made by a living person before this law be produced, which he who is sued denies to be his, let him sequester the money, intending to litigate on the score of falsity. For we must beware lest we supply the fuel of denial to those liable. Which, however, will then be proper to be observed, if, when both parties, while living, were present, not yet twenty years, and when absent, not yet thirty, are shown to have elapsed.

alioquin, si chirographi fides sub silentio iudiciariae conventionis statutum tempus excesserit, probari prius debitum conveniet, tunc reposci, sequestrationis necessitate summota.

Otherwise, if the credit of the chirograph, by the silence of the judicial convention, has exceeded the appointed time, it will be fitting that the debt be proved first, then demanded back, with the necessity of sequestration removed.

CTh.2.27.1.4 [=brev.2.27.1.4]

Theodosian Code 2.27.1.4 [=breviary 2.27.1.4]

Sin vero suam quidem manum fateatur obnoxius, sed nihil sibi numeratum pro hac obligatione causetur, tunc chirographi discuti oportebit aetatem, ut, si iure delata contestationibus tempora debitor taciturnus exegit, cavillationis istius perdat obstaculum.

But if indeed the liable party acknowledges his own hand, yet alleges that nothing was paid over to him for this obligation, then it will be necessary to examine the chirograph’s age, so that, if the debtor, remaining silent, has let the times granted by law for contestations elapse, he may lose the obstacle of that cavillation.

CTh.2.27.1.5 [=brev.2.27.1.5]

De cetero vero sancimus, ut omnes deinceps cautiones intra duodecennium vim contestationis accipiant, quam debitor facta novatione promittat.

For the rest, however, we sanction that all securities henceforth shall, within a twelve-year term, receive the force of contestation, which the debtor, a novation having been effected, shall promise.

CTh.2.27.1.6 [=brev.2.27.1.6]

Sed si mediis temporibus peregrinetur obnoxius, quo novationi longior obsit absentia, volumus, creditorem ante duodecennium praestitutum aditis iudiciis edictum mereri auctoritatemque postibus debitoris affigere, domesticas etiam convenire personas: nullus enim per tanta contestationum poterit documenta mentiri. quod ideo ante duodecennium iubemus agitari, ut per intervalla temporis longioris inclamatus advertat, confutari debere, si fides non agnoscitur petitorum, nec obesse iam post adscripta tempora creditori, si post has contestationum voces longa debitoris absentia vel redhibitio proteletur, vel novatio iusta ludatur. et quamvis nescire promulgata non liceat, per omnem hunc annum pendere iubemus edictum.

But if in the meantime the liable party sojourns abroad, whereby a longer absence would hinder the novation, we order that the creditor, before the twelve-year period fixed, having approached the courts, obtain an edict and affix the authority to the debtor’s doorposts, and even summon the domestic persons: for no one could lie in the face of such documents of contestations. For this reason we command that it be pursued before the twelve-year period, so that, being cried out to at intervals of a longer time, he may take notice, that it ought to be refuted if the good faith of the claims is not acknowledged, nor should it harm the creditor any longer after the times have been recorded, if after these voices of contestations either the debtor’s long absence or redhibition is prolonged, or a just novation is played with. And although it is not permitted to be ignorant of what has been promulgated, we order the edict to hang for this whole year.

dat. v. kal. aug.

given on the 5th day before the kalends of august.

ravenna, eustathio et agricola coss.

ravenna, with eustathius and agricola as consuls.

interpretatio. de cautionibus mortuorum hoc praecipimus observari, ut, si debitor absens defunctus fuerit, et mortuum eum creditor esse cognoverit, cautionem suam intra quinquennium iudici non differat publicare. si vero praesente creditore defecerit, intra biennium defuncti publicet cautionem: ita tamen, ut manus mortui conferatur, et agnosci possit illius esse subscriptio, aut convenisse illum, dum viveret, aliquibus scientibus valeat approbare: et causas ipsius debiti, unde pecuniam contraxit, exponat.

interpretation. concerning cautions (bonds) of the dead we prescribe this to be observed: that, if a debtor, being absent, has died, and the creditor has learned him to be dead, he is not to defer to publish his caution before the judge within five years.
but if he has died with the creditor present, let him publish the caution within two years; provided, however, that the hand (handwriting) of the dead be compared, and it can be recognized that the subscription is his, or that he, while he lived, agreed—he be able to approve (prove) this with some being cognizant; and let him set forth the causes of that debt, whence he contracted the money.

quod si supra personam mortui detegitur fortasse mentiri, non solum pecuniam non recipiat, sed etiam severitatem legis incurrat. nam de reliquo inter vivorum personas haec observanda decernimus, ut omnes cautiones debitorum intra duodecim annos debeant contestari: ita ut a debitoribus renoventur. quod si forsitan ante duodecim annos debitorem peregrinari contigerit, iudicis mereatur edictum, quod in postibus debitoris sui pro contestatione debeat affigere, et homines illius convenire non desinat, ut quum fuerit taliter debitum contestatum, excusationem, qui peregrinatur, longi temporis habere non possit.

but if it is uncovered that he is perhaps lying about the person of the deceased,
let him not only not receive the money, but also incur the severity of the law. For as to the rest among the persons of the living
we decree these things to be observed: that all cautions of debtors must be contested within 12 years, such that they be renewed by the debtors. But if perhaps it should happen that before 12 years the debtor travels abroad, let him obtain an edict of the judge, which he ought to affix on the doorposts of his debtor for
contestation, and let him not cease to convene that man’s people, so that, when the debt shall have been thus contested, the one who is traveling abroad may not be able to have a plea of long time.

nec ideo se excuset, quod non renovaverit cautionem. sane si debitor suam esse dixerit cautionem, sed nihil se de ipsa cautione asserat accepisse, tempus debet inspici cautionis, ut, si intra quinquennium cautio conscripta cognoscitur, et probatum fuerit, quod in cautione continetur acceptum, debitor suam impleat cautionem. si vero, quae in cautione scripta sunt, intra quinquennium tradita non probantur, is, cuius cautio est, non teneatur obnoxius: nam transacto quinquennio, si de cauta et non consignata pecunia debitor dixerit, nullatenus audiatur

nor on that account let him excuse himself, that he did not renew the bond. Indeed, if the debtor shall have said that the bond is his
but asserts that he has received nothing from the bond itself, the time of the bond ought to be examined, so that, if the bond is known to have been written within five years
and it has been proved that what is contained in the bond was received, the debtor should fulfill his bond. But if the things written in the bond
are not proved to have been delivered within five years, he whose bond it is shall not be held liable: for after five years have elapsed, if the debtor says concerning money secured and not
receipted, he shall in no way be heard

CTh.2.28.0. De pecuniae sequestratione prohibita.

CTh.2.28.0. On prohibited sequestration of money.

CTh.2.28.1 [=brev.2.28.1]

Impp. honor. et theodos.

The Emperors Honorius and Theodosius.

aa. ioanni pf. p. post alia: quoties ex quolibet contractu pecunia postulatur, sequestrationis necessitas conquiescat: oportet enim debitorem primo convinci et sic solutioni succumbere. quam rem quum iuris ratio, tum ipsa aequitas persuadet, ut probationes secum afferat debitoremque convincat pecuniam petiturus etc. dat.

the emperors to john, praetorian prefect. after other things: whenever from any contract money is demanded, let the necessity of sequestration rest; for it is proper that the debtor first be convicted and thus succumb to payment. which matter both the reason of law and equity itself persuade, that he who is going to seek money bring proofs with him and convict the debtor, etc. given.

v. id. iul. ravenna, honorio xiii. et theodos.

on the 5th day before the Ides of July, at Ravenna, in the consulship of Honorius (13) and Theodosius.

x. aa. coss.

10. the augusti, consuls.

interpretatio. quoties ab aliquo pecunia repetitur, non prius cogatur sequestrare pecuniam ille, qui petitur, quam ille, qui repetit, debitorem suum certa prius probatione convincat, et sic pecuniam, quam se dedisse convicerit, adhibita probatione recipiat

interpretation. as often as money is demanded back from someone, let not he who is sued be compelled to sequester the money before he who reclaims it shall first by certain proof convince that he is his debtor; and thus, with proof adhibited, let him receive back the money which he has convinced that he gave.

CTh.2.29.0. Si certum petatur de suffragiis.

CTh.2.29.0. If a certain sum be sought concerning suffrages.

CTh.2.29.1 [=brev.2.29.1]

Imp. iulianus a. ad populum. foedis commentis, quae bonorum merito deferuntur, quidam occupare meruerunt et quum meruissent in republica quolibet pacto versari, repetendam sibi pecuniam, quam inhoneste solverant, imprudentius atque inhonestius arbitrantur: alii etiam, quae tunc donaverant vel potius proiecerant ob immeritas causas, invadenda denuo crediderunt.

Emperor Julian Augustus to the people. By foul contrivances, which are deservedly denounced by the good, certain persons have managed to seize an advantage; and although they had deserved to be dealt with in the republic in any fashion whatsoever, they more imprudently and more dishonorably judge that the money which they had paid dishonorably ought to be reclaimed by them: others
even believed that the things which at that time they had donated—or rather thrown away—for undeserved causes ought to be seized anew.

sed quia leges romanae huiusmodi contractus penitus ignorant, omnem repetendi eorum, quae prodige nefarieque proiecerunt, copiam prohibemus. qui itaque repetere nititur vel repetiisse convincitur, et, quod dedit, apud suffragatorem eius manebit vel extortum restituet, et alterum tantum fisci viribus inferre cogatur. dat.

but because the Roman laws are wholly ignorant of contracts of this kind,
we prohibit any opportunity of reclaiming those things which they have prodigally and nefariously cast away. Therefore whoever strives to reclaim or is proved to have reclaimed, then what he gave shall remain with his suffragator, or he (the suffragator) shall restore what was extorted, and he shall be compelled to bring as much again into the resources of the Fiscus.
Given.

kal. febr. constantinopoli, mamertino et nevitta coss.

on the Kalends of February, at Constantinople, Mamertinus and Nevitta, consuls.

interpretatio. aliquanti pro sua voluntate suffragia dedisse probantur, et postea, quum ad militiam pervenerunt, ea, quae dederant, repetere vel auferre contra rationem inhoneste et illicite praesumpserunt*. ideoque praecipimus, ut quicumque* aliquid pro praestandis sibi, quae petiit, dedisse dignoscitur, non habeat licentiam repetendi: qui vero repetere fuerit conatus, hoc ille habeat, qui accepit, aut certe, si sublatum ei fuerit, reformetur, et aliud tantum ille, qui abstulit, fisco cogatur inferre

interpretation. some are proven to have given suffrages according to their own will, and afterwards, when they came to military service, those things which they had given they presumed* against reason, dishonorably and unlawfully, to demand back or to carry off. and so we command that whoever* is recognized to have given something for procuring for himself the things which he sought, shall not have license to demand it back: but he who shall have attempted to demand it back, let him who received it have this, or
certainly, if it shall have been taken from him, let it be restored, and as much again let the one who took it away be compelled to pay into the fisc.

CTh.2.29.2pr. [=brev.2.29.2pr.]

Imppp. theodos., arcad. et honor.

the emperors theodosius, arcadius and honorius.

aaa. rufino pf. p. si qui desideria sua explicare cupientes ferri sibi a quoquam suffragium postularint, et ob referendam vicem se sponsione constrinxerint, promissa restituant, quum ea, quae optaverint, consequantur: si artibus moras nectent, ad solutionem debiti coarctandi sunt.

the emperors to rufinus, praetorian prefect. if any, desiring to explicate their desires, shall have requested that suffrage be borne to them by someone, and, for the sake of returning the favor, have bound themselves by a sponsion, let them restore the promised things, when they attain those things which they have wished: if by arts they weave delays, they are to be constrained to the payment of the debt.

CTh.2.29.2.1 [=brev.2.29.2.1]

CTh. 2.29.2.1 [= Brev. 2.29.2.1]

Sed si quid eo nomine in auro vel argento vel in ceteris mobilibus datum fuerit, traditio sola sufficiat, et contractus habebit perpetem firmitatem, quoniam collatio rei mobilis inita integra fide hac ratione cumulatur.

But if anything under that name has been given in gold or silver or in the other movables, delivery alone shall suffice, and the contract shall have perpetual firmness, since the collation of a movable thing, entered upon in unimpaired good faith, is by this method made complete.

CTh.2.29.2.2 [=brev.2.29.2.2]

Quod si praedia rustica vel urbana placitum continebit, scriptura, quae ea in alium transferat, emittatur, sequatur traditio corporalis, et rem fuisse completam, gesta testentur; aliter enim ad novum dominum transire non possunt, neque de veteri iure discedere.

But if the agreement will contain rustic or urban estates, let a writing which transfers them to another be issued, let corporeal delivery follow, and let the records attest that the matter has been completed; for otherwise they cannot pass to a new owner, nor depart from the former right.

CTh.2.29.2.3 [=brev.2.29.2.3]

Quod si quis, dum solo commonitorio de suffragio nititur, bona duxerit occupanda, reus temeritatis ac violentiae retinebitur, atque in statum pristinum possessio reducetur, eo a petitione excluso, qui non dubitavit invadere, quod petere debuisset. dat. iv. non.

But if anyone, while relying solely on a memorandum concerning suffrage, should deem goods to be seized, he shall be held guilty of temerity and violence, and the possession shall be restored to its former state, with him excluded from petition who did not hesitate to invade what he ought to have petitioned for; and
given on the 4th before the Nones.

mart. constantinopoli, arcadio iii. et honorio ii. aa. coss.

in march, at constantinople, arcadius 3 and honorius 2, augusti, consuls.

interpretatio. si quis, dum necessitates suas expedire desiderat, aliquid se commodi daturum esse promiserit, perceptis, quae voluit, constrictus hoc sine ulla dilatione implere cogatur. quod si aliquid in auro vel in argento vel in ceteris rebus mobilibus obtulerit, firmum sine scriptura permaneat: quia res mobiles in suffragiis scripturam penitus non requirunt, sed sola traditione firmantur.

interpretation. if anyone, while he desires to set his necessities in order, shall have promised that he will give some benefit, once he has received what he wanted,
being bound to this, let him be compelled to fulfill it without any delay. but if he has offered anything in gold or in silver or in other movable things, let it remain firm
without writing: because movable things in transactions do not at all require writing, but are made firm by tradition alone.

quod si loca urbana vel rustica dare placuerit, scriptura sequatur atque traditio, et de completis omnibus vel re tradita gesta confecta proferantur, nam aliter possessio ad alterum dominum transire non poterit. sane si quis sine tali scriptura possessionem alterius crediderit occupandam, reus violentiae teneatur, et integrum, quod invaserit, reddat, omni sua repetitione damnata

but if it has pleased to give urban or rustic places, let writing follow and delivery, and let documents drawn up concerning all things completed, or the thing delivered, be produced; for otherwise possession will not be able to pass to another owner. indeed, if anyone without such writing shall have believed that another’s possession is to be occupied, let him be held guilty of violence, and let him restore intact what he has invaded, with all his own claim of recovery condemned

CTh.2.30.0. De pignoribus.

CTh.2.30.0. On pledges.

CTh.2.30.1 [=brev.2.30.1]

Imp. constantinus a. ad universos provinciales. intercessores a rectoribus provinciarum dati ad exigenda debita ea, quae civiliter poscuntur, servos aratores aut boves aratorios pignoris causa de possessionibus abstrahunt, ex quo tributorum illatio retardatur.

The Emperor Constantine Augustus to all provincials. The intercessors appointed by the rectors of the provinces to exact debts—those which are sought civilly—
drag away plow-slaves or plowing oxen from the holdings for the cause of pledge, whence the bringing-in of the tributes is delayed.

si quis igitur intercessor aut creditor vel praefectus pacis vel decurio in hac re fuerit detectus, a rectoribus provinciarum capitali sententiae subiugetur. dat. iv. non.

if anyone
therefore—whether an intercessor or creditor or prefect of peace or decurion—shall be detected in this matter, let him be subjected by the rectors of the provinces to a capital sentence. Given 4 Nones.

iun. sirmio, constantino a. iv. et licinio iv. coss.

June, at Sirmium, Constantine Augustus for the 4th time and Licinius for the 4th time, consuls.

interpretatio. multi pro fiscali debito servos cultores aut boves aratorios de possessionibus causa pignoris auferre praesumunt, de quorum laboribus tributa redduntur, et ideo si quis creditor vel curator pacis vel curialis aut quicumque* exactor hoc facere praesumpserit*, a provinciae iudice puniatur

interpretation. many, on account of a fiscal debt, presume to carry off from estates, as a pledge, slave cultivators or plough-oxen, from whose labors tributes are rendered, and therefore if any creditor or curator of peace or curial or whoever* collector shall have presumed* to do this, let him be punished by the judge of the province

CTh.2.30.2 [=brev.2.30.2]

Theodosian Code 2.30.2 [= breviary 2.30.2]

Impp. honor. et theodos.

The Emperors Honorius and Theodosius.

aa. ioanni pf. p. post alia: nexum non faciat praediorum nisi persona, quae iure potuit obligari. per servum autem vel procuratorem, colonum vel actorem seu conductorem praeiudicium possessioni invito vel inscio domino imponi non posse, et iuris et legum auctoritatibus decantatur etc. dat.

The Emperors to John, Praetorian Prefect. After other things: let no nexum of estates be made except by a person who could by right be obligated. By a slave
however, or by a procurator, a colonus or an actor or a conductor (lessee), prejudice to possession cannot be imposed upon the owner who is unwilling or unaware; and this is oft proclaimed by the authorities of ius and of the laws, etc. Given.

v. id. iul. ravenna, honorio xiii. et theodos.

July 11, at Ravenna, in the consulship of Honorius for the 13th time and Theodosius.

x. aa. coss.

10. with the Augusti as consuls.

interpretatio. non obliget possessionem nisi ille, qui proprius dominus esse dignoscitur: nam neque per servum, neque per procuratorem sive colonum aut actorem aut conductorem, si res fuerit obligata, praeiudicium domino poterit exhiberi

interpretation. let not the possession be obligated except by him who is recognized to be the proper owner: for neither through a slave, nor through a procurator or colonus or actor or conductor, if the thing has been obligated, can prejudice be shown to the owner

CTh.2.31.0. Quod iussu.

CTh.2.31.0. What by command.

CTh.2.31.1

Impp. honor. et theodos.

The Emperors Honorius and Theodosius.

aa. ioanni pf. p. post alia: dominos ita constringi manifestum est actione praetoria, quae appellatur quod iussu, si certam numerari praeceperint servo actorive pecuniam. igitur in perpetuum edictali lege sancimus, ut, qui servo, colono, conductori, procuratori actorive possessionis pecuniam commodat, sciat, dominos possessionum cultoresve terrarum obligari non posse. neque familiares epistolas, quibus homines plerumque commendantur absentium, in id trahere convenit, ut pecuniam quoque, quam non rogatus fuerat, impendisse se pro praediis mentiatur: quum, nisi specialiter, ut pecuniam commodet, a domino fuerit postulatus, idem dominus teneri non possit; creditaque quantitate mulctari volumus creditores, si huiusmodi personis non iubente domino, nec fideiussoribus specialiter acceptis fuerit commodata pecunia.

the emperors to john, praetorian prefect. after other matters: it is manifest that masters are thus constrained by the praetorian action, which is called “quod iussu,” if they have ordered a fixed sum of money to be paid to a slave or to an actor (agent). therefore we sanction by edictal law in perpetuity that whoever lends money to a slave, a colonus, a conductor (lessee), a procurator, or an actor of an estate should know that the owners of the estates or the cultivators of the lands cannot be obligated. nor is it proper to drag familiar letters—by which men are for the most part commended on behalf of absentees—into this, so that he may also pretend that he expended money, which he had not been asked for, on behalf of the landed properties: since, unless he has been specifically requested by the master to lend money, that same master cannot be held; and we wish creditors to be mulcted by the credited amount, if money has been lent to persons of this kind without the master ordering it and without sureties having been specifically accepted.

dat. v. id. iul. ravenna, honorio xiii.

dated july 11, at ravenna, in the 13th consulship of honorius.

et theodos. x. aa. coss.

and theodosius, for the 10th time, the Augusti, consuls.

interpretatio. nullus dominum ad reddendum debitum, sicut hucusque fiebat, adstringat, nisi servo suo vel actori pecuniam rogante domino praestitisse convicerit. et ideo si quis servo, colono, conductori, procuratori vel actori pecuniam non rogante domino dederit, sciat, dominos terrarum propter hoc debitum nullatenus posse teneri; sed qui non rogante domino pecuniam talibus personis crediderint aut fideiussores non acceperint, ea, quae commodata sunt, se noverint perdituros, nec a domino posse reposci

interpretation. let no one bind a master to repay a debt, as up to now used to be done, unless he shall have proved that, at the master’s request, he advanced money to his slave or to his agent;
and therefore, if anyone shall have given money, without the master requesting, to a slave, a colonus, a conductor, a procurator, or an agent,
let him know that the lords of the lands can in no way be held on account of this debt; but those who, the master not requesting, shall have credited such persons with money, or shall not have taken sureties, let them know that they will lose the things that were lent, and that they cannot be demanded back from the master.

CTh.2.32.0. De peculio.

CTh.2.32.0. On the peculium.

CTh.2.32.1 [=brev.2.32.1]

Impp. honor. et theodos.

the emperors Honorius and Theodosius.

aa. ioanni pf. p. post alia: hoc quoque creditoribus non negamus, ut, si liber a rationibus fuerit, quas regebat, inventus actor, servus procuratorve praediorum, utilis actio pateat de peculio etc. dat. v. id. iul.

the emperors, to John, praetorian prefect. after other things: we do not deny this also to creditors, that, if a steward, a slave or procurator of estates, is found to have been free from the accounts which he managed, a useful action be open concerning the peculium, etc. given July 11.

ravenna, honorio xiii. et theodos. x. aa. coss.

ravenna, under honorius for the 13th time and theodosius for the 10th, augusti,
consuls.

interpretatio. hoc sane creditoribus volumus esse praestandum, ut actor vel servus sive procurator possessionis, qui pecuniam a creditore susceperit, si nihil de rationibus suis domino debuerit, pro pecunia, quam accepit, de peculio, quod habet, creditoribus reddat

interpretation. This indeed we wish to be afforded to the creditors, that the actor or slave or procurator of the possession, who has received money from
the creditor, if he has owed nothing to his master from his accounts, shall repay to the creditors, for the money which he received, out of the peculium which he has.

CTh.2.33.0. De usuris.

CTh.2.33.0. On usury.

CTh.2.33.1 [=brev.2.33.1]

Imp. constantinus a. ad dracilianum agentem vices pf. p. quicumque* fruges humidas vel arentes indigentibus mutuas dederint, usurae nomine tertiam partem superfluam consequantur, id est ut, si summa crediti in duobus modiis fuerit, tertium modium amplius consequantur. quod si conventus creditor propter commodum usurarum debitum recipere noluerit, non solum usuris, sed etiam debiti quantitate privandus est.

Emperor Constantine Augustus to Dracilianus, acting in the stead of the Praetorian Prefect: whoever shall have given to the needy grain, whether moist or dry, as a loan, may, in the name of usury, obtain a third part in excess—that is, if the sum of the credit has been in two modii, they may obtain a third modius in addition. But if, when convened, the creditor, because of the advantage of the usuries, is unwilling to receive the debt, he must be deprived not only of the usuries, but also of the amount of the debt.

quae lex ad solas pertinet fruges: nam pro pecunia ultra singulas centesimas creditor vetatur accipere. pp. caesareae xv. kal. mai., paulino et iuliano coss.

This law pertains to grain alone: for with respect to money, the creditor is forbidden to receive beyond a single centesima (hundredth). Posted. At Caesarea, 15 days before the Kalends of May, in the consulship of Paulinus and Julianus.

interpretatio. quicumque* fruges humidas, id est vinum et oleum, vel quodcumque* annonae genus alteri commodaverit, non plus ab eo propter usuram quam tertiam partem accipiat, id est ut supra duos modios, qui accepit, tertium reddat. quod si conventus fuerit ille, qui commodat, et pro maiore usura noluerit debitum suum, adiecto tertio modio, a debitore recipere, etiam debitum perdat.

interpretation. whoever* shall have lent moist crops, that is wine and oil, or whatever* kind of annona (grain-supply), to another, let him receive from him not more on account of usury than a third part, that is, that over two modii, he who received, should return a third. but if the one who lends shall have been brought into court, and for the sake of greater usury is unwilling to receive his debt, with the third modius added, from the debtor, let him even lose the debt.

quam rem ad solas fruges praecipimus pertinere. nam quando pecunia fuerit commodata, nisi unam tantum centesimam a creditoribus exigi non iubemus

which matter we prescribe to pertain to crops alone. for when money shall have been lent, we do not order that anything other than a single hundredth be exacted by the creditors

CTh.2.33.2 [=brev.2.33.2]

Theodosian Code 2.33.2 [=Breviary 2.33.2]

Imppp. valentin., theodos. et arcad.

The Emperors Valentinian, Theodosius, and Arcadius.

aaa. cynegio pf. p. quicumque* ultra centesimam iure permissam quicquid sub occasione necessitatis eruerit, quadrupli poenae obligatione constrictus, sine cessatione, sine requie protinus ablata redhibebit. hi vero, qui antea pari furore grassati uspiam detegentur, in duplum extorta restituant.

aaa. To Cynegius, Praetorian Prefect. Whoever, beyond the legally permitted hundredth, has extracted anything under the pretext of necessity, being bound by an obligation of a quadruple penalty, without cessation, without rest, shall forthwith return what was taken away. But those who shall anywhere be detected to have previously run riot with equal fury shall restore the things extorted in double.

dat. viii. kal.

given on the 8th day before the Kalends.

nov. constantinopoli, honorio nb. p. et evodio v.C. coss.

In November at Constantinople, with Honorius, most noble boy, and Evodius, most illustrious man, as consuls.

interpretatio. si quis plus, quam legitima centesima continet, hoc est tres siliquas in anno per solidum, amplius a debitore sub occasione necessitatis accipere vel auferre praesumpserit*, post datam legem sine ulla dilatione ea, quae amplius accepit, constrictus quadrupli poena restituat. ea vero, quae ante legem tali ratione data sunt, in duplum volumus reformari

interpretation. if anyone charges more than the lawful centesima, that is, three siliquae in a year per solidus, and has presumed* to receive or take away more from the debtor under the pretext of necessity, after the law has been given, without any delay let him, bound by a fourfold penalty, restore what he received in excess. those things, however, which before the law were given on such a basis, we will to be reformed in double.

CTh.2.33.3 [=brev.2.33.3]

Impp. arcad. et honor.

The Emperors Arcadius and Honorius.

aa. eutychiano pf. p. frustra debitores in annis minoribus constitutorum usuras se restituere non debere contendunt, quia senatoria eos dignitate praeditos esse testantur. unde sortem cum usuris in stipulationem deductis restituant. dat.

The Emperors to Eutychianus, Praetorian Prefect. In vain do the debtors of those constituted in lesser years (minors) contend that they ought not to restore usuries (interest),
since they testify that they are endowed with senatorial dignity. Wherefore let them restore the principal with the usuries (interest), reduced into a stipulation. Given.

viii. kal. dec.

8th day before the Kalends of December.

constantinopoli, caesario et attico coss.

at constantinople, caesarius and atticus, consuls.

interpretatio. sine causa senatoribus in annis minoribus constitutis debitum cum usuris reddere dissimulant debitores, propter hoc, quod senatorio genere nati debitum cum usuris integris recipere non iubentur: et ideo, quod cautione per stipulationem promissum est, reformetur

interpretation. Without cause debtors dissemble to pay back to senators constituted in lesser years the debt with interest, on account of this, that men born of the senatorial stock are not enjoined to receive the debt with entire interest: and therefore, what has been promised by a caution through stipulation, let it be reformed

CTh.2.33.4 [=brev.2.33.4]

Imppp. arcad., honor. et theodos.

The Emperors Arcadius, Honorius, and Theodosius.

aaa. optato pf. u. senatores sub medietate centesimae usurae ad contractum creditae pecuniae censemus admitti. itaque omnes intelligant, nullum florentissimo coetui sociatum, foenus exercentem, ultra medietatem centesimae vel iure stipulari vel petere posse usuram: quin etiam, si quid praeter moderatam nostri numinis definitionem fuerit flagitatum, imminuendae sorti pro huius legis auctoritate cessurum.

The Augusti to Optatus, Prefect of the City. We judge that senators are to be admitted to the contract of loaned money under the half of the hundredth as usury (interest).
And so let all understand that no one associated with the most flourishing order, practicing foenus, is able either by right to stipulate or to demand usury beyond the half of the hundredth:
nay more, if anything shall have been exacted beyond the moderated definition of our numen, it shall, by the authority of this law, go to the diminishing of the principal.

dat. prid. id. iun.

given on the day before the Ides of June.

nicaea, stilicone ii. et anthemio v.C. coss.

Nicaea, with Stilicho (2) and Anthemius, a most distinguished man, as consuls.

interpretatio. senatores, qui pecuniam ad centesimam praestare voluerint, non amplius usurae nomine quam medietatem legitimae centesimae a debitoribus suis accipiant, nec amplius ut caveant aut se cautione constringant, qui commodatam suscipiunt pecuniam, forte cogantur. nam si ab eis amplius fuerit requisitum, sciant se senatores hoc, quod commodaverint, perdituros

interpretation. Senators who will wish to lend money at the hundredth shall receive from their debtors, in the name of usury, no more than the half of the lawful hundredth, nor shall those who receive the loaned money be compelled, perchance, to give caution or bind themselves by a caution (bond) any further. For if more shall have been demanded from them, let the senators know that they will lose that which they have lent.